The top half quarterfinals will be held on Wednesday at the 2024 ATP Rome Open. Few would have expected Alejandro Tabilo and Zhizhen Zhang to remain in the draw at this point, while the 2017 champion Alexander Zverev will take on Taylor Fritz in a more expected matchup at this stage of the event. Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Rome Quarterfinal Predictions
Alejandro Tabilo vs Zhang Zhizhen
Head-to-head: Zhang 1-0 Tabilo
Tabilo posted a win over Novak Djokovic this event and while it wasn’t a particularly troublesome version of the world #1, that kind of victory will always be a confidence booster. The Chilean has done some tremendous work over the last year or so and will likely be seeded at Roland Garros. But this is still a bit of a new ground for him, maybe even more so than for Zhang Zhizhen. The Chinese can fire up at will and his thunderous power has been crushing through the conditions in Rome this fortnight. It’s tough to guess who will win as at this stage both players will know it’s a massive opportunity. Maybe Tabilo can emerge stronger in a nervy battle as he’s very used to the winning feeling of late.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
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Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Zverev 4-3 Fritz
While these two have fought some good battles against one another, this will be the first time they play on clay. On a general level this should suit Alexander Zverev, but Taylor Fritz is a capable dirtballer these days and is on a brilliant run at the moment (Munich final, Madrid semifinals). The American’s serve and backhand stand out even in slower conditions and he’s ironed out plenty of his weaknesses regarding footwork and athleticism. Zverev might be the kind of play to bring them out to light again though. The base level of the third seed is very strong too, particularly on a clay court.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
