The 2024 ATP Tiriac Open in Bucharest, Romania is a little behind on its schedule with the bottom half already into the quarterfinal round, while the top half of the draw will be on double duty (we’ll edit these matchups in once they’re set on Friday). For now, 17-year-old prodigy Joao Fonseca will be trying to lock up his Roland Garros qualifying spot against Alejandro Tabilo. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Bucharest Quarterfinal Predictions
Corentin Moutet vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: 1-1
This is a bounce-back year for Corentin Moutet, now that his wrist is healthy and he’s back to hitting two-handed backhands. A tough season like the one he had in 2023 can even make him a more resilient player and the 24-year-old could sure use some tenacity. This seems like a fairly even matchup with Marton Fucsovics being tougher to break down than the previous two opponents of Moutet. But after all, the Hungarian is also reliant on his aggressive forehand ball-striking and will need to keep that up against all the junkballs thrown at him here. Perhaps we can call Moutet a slight favorite, but the edge is marginal.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
Pedro Martinez vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: Barrere 1-0
It took Pedro Martinez over two and a half hours to dispatch Miomir Kecmanovic on Friday morning, so we’ll see how much energy the Spaniard will have left for another match on the same day. But his form right now is impeccable with a recent Challenger win in Girona and the ATP 250 final in Estoril, highlighted by beating Casper Ruud in the semifinals. Gregoire Barrere isn’t a natural clay-courter with how early he tries to take the ball, so it’s likely Martinez still gets the job done despite the potential fatigue.
Prediction: Martinez in 2
Francisco Cerundolo vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: First meeting
Big things were expected from Mariano Navone this year after five Challenger titles in 2023, but the 23-year-old is maybe doing even better than predicted. Final in Rio de Janeiro, a semifinal in Marrakech, and now the quarterfinals in Bucharest in his last three events. Against Thiago Seyboth Wild on Friday morning, he played some brave tennis in the third set to hit back against the Brazilian’s easy power. He’ll need the same to beat Francisco Cerundolo and stylistically it seems like this matchup could suit him.
Prediction: Navone in 3
Joao Fonseca vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Joao Fonseca is the hottest prospect in men’s tennis at the moment and he’s showing exactly why this week. Other than his incredible ball-striking talent, he’s also been hitting with a bit more margin and utilizing the dropshot smarter than before. Alejandro Tabilo is not going to be an easy opponent, but it’s just one match against a rather inconsistent player. Maybe Fonseca can just sneak his way into the Roland Garros qualifying draw? It would be a fantastic achievement for the 17-year-old, who was still contemplating going the college route at the beginning of the season and has already picked up so many incredible wins and results since.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
