We’re down to the last eight at the ATP Adelaide International, with one man still flying the flag for Australia. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for all four quarterfinals, as well as all the action in the women’s singles and in Hobart and Auckland. But who will book their spot in Friday’s semifinals?
ATP Adelaide Quarterfinal Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Bublik 1-0 Musetti
Lorenzo Mussetti was back to his best with a tremendous straight-sets win over home hope Jordan Thompson, who last week upset Rafael Nadal in Brisbane. It was something of a surprise after he had ended last season with six consecutive losses on hard courts and started this one by tamely succumbing to Pavel Kotov in the second round in Hong Kong.
Alexander Bublik, still the Kazakh #1, remains unbeaten this year and he hit a mammoth 21 aces and 42 winners to secure a comeback win against Daniel Evans in the second round at the ATP Adelaide International after dismissing James McCabe in his opener. If Bublik can curb his unforced errors and maintain his focus, this match is surely his to lose.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
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Tommy Paul vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: Draper 1-0 Paul
This is a repeat of a second-round clash at this very event last year. Jack Draper won that match in straight sets in what remains the pair’s only previous meeting. Tommy Paul will doubtless be keen to avenge that defeat and the American #2 looked comfortable in his win over Adam Walton in his first match since November. But this is a different ball game entirely. Draper has plenty of power and has looked in good touch so far in 2024. Still, if Paul can play his best tennis, he should be able to blunt Draper.
Prediction: Paul in 3
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Christopher O’ Connell vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: O’Connell 1-1 Korda
Sebastian Korda crucially saved five set points in the second set to scrape to a straight-sets win over Lorenzo Sonego. His tennis wasn’t as elegant as it was here last year, but the hard-fought win will surely boost his confidence after a 2023 marred by injuries. His Australian opponent hasn’t lost a set this year after losing in the first round at Brisbane on the last day of 2023 before recording back-to-back straight-sets wins over Arthur Rinderknech and Alexander Shevchekco to reach his first quarterfinal on the main tour in his home country. He’ll be looking to make the most of it, but if Korda is fit and firing, there wll likely only be one outcome.
Prediction: Korda in 2
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Jiri Lehecka vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-head: Lehecka 1-1 Jarry
The Czech youngster Jiri Lehecka finally managed to bag consecutive victories on tour since August 2023 and will be hoping to keep his rhythm going, albeit against a very formidable opponent like the big-serving Nicolas Jarry. The Chilean is noted for his resilience and he’s shown it again this year with both his wins going the distance. Another lengthy match may well be in the offing and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chilean power his way to another comeback victory.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
