This should be a fun set of quarterfinals at the 250 ATP Marseille. Hubert Hurkacz is up against the exciting talent in Tomas Machac whilst shot makers Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Ugo Humbert promise to put on an enthralling show, among other matches. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction on quarterfinal day in the oldest city in France. But who will advance to the semis?
ATP Marseille Quarterfinal Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tomas Machac is a talented hitter with the power to beat anybody from the baseline on his day, especially in quick conditions. Unfortunately for Machac, Hubi Hurkacz is one of the most frustrating players to come up against indoors. The defending champion went 12-4 last year indoors, only losing to Dimitrov, Djokovic, and Auger-Aliassime. It doesn’t matter how well Machac might see the ball on the day, Hurkacz should still be able to serve well enough to stop Machac getting a look in.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Grigor Dimitrov vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: First meeting
Believe all the recent hype around Grigor Dimitrov. He looks fitter and more patient than ever and is making the game look simpler than ever. He’s gone completely back to basics, relying on his amazing serve and forehand combo, and staying in the rallies for as long as he needs to using his reliable slice backhand. Arthur Rinderknech hits a big ball but he’s just not got the player profile to upset Dimitrov in this kind of form.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Karen Khachanov vs Zhizhen Zhang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karen Khachanov is a phenomenally physical player, but he is generally there for a great hitter to take advantage of. His consistency and fitness make him extremely difficult to beat over five sets, but there’s no doubt his game is a little more spin-centric than the rest of the tour. Zhizhen Zhang could definitely take advantage at ATP Marseille. He’s shown plenty of promise over the last half a year or so, propelling him into the top 50, and certainly possesses the brute force required to forge a way passed Khachanov’s defences.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 2-1 Humbert
Neither player has the most predictable game in the world, but it’s Ugo Humbert who seems the more likely of the two to bring his highest level. The Frenchman has always been explosive on a fast court, having played six of his 12 ATP semifinals on indoor hard courts. Davidovich Fokina isn’t to be underestimated, but it feels as though it will be more of an uphill battle for him to gain some momentum than it will be for the world No. 21. Humbert should advance to the ATP Marseille semis.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
