We’ve reached the quarterfinal round of the 2024 ATP Generali Open in Kitzbuhel and two players are presently looking like the biggest threats for the title. Top seed and defending champion Sebastian Baez has never lost at this venue yet, while Matteo Berrettini is on a 7-match win streak. Can someone stop them from clashing on Saturday? Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Kitzbuhel Quarterfinal Predictions
Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: Hanfmann 2-1
Yannick Hanfmann is a fantastic altitude player and both his ATP Tour finals have come during this exact part of the season (2017 Gstaad, 2020 Kitzbuhel). The German was given a helping hand when Tomas Martin Etcheverry withdrew and he needs it right now as he’s trying to find his way back to the Top 100. It’s not going to be easy here against Thiago Seyboth Wild, especially considering how strong the Brazilian’s peak game is. But the favorite to advance will be Hanfmann with his trademark kick serve loving these conditions.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 3
Pedro Martinez vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Head-to-head: Martinez 2-0
What a season this has been for Pedro Martinez as even when he peaked at World No. 40 a couple of years ago, he wasn’t making deep runs on the ATP Tour that frequently. Facundo Diaz Acosta was in such good form around April, but then an injury took him out for a few months. Even getting through the first two rounds was very important for him here and unlike Martinez, he doesn’t have to worry about keeping energy for the Olympics coming up. But another win might be a bit too much for him and the Spaniard usually plays very well in Kitzbuhel.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Nicolas Moreno de Alboran
Head-to-head: First meeting
Matteo Berrettini is trying to get the European altitude clay double after picking up the title in Gstaad. The Italian’s comeback has been progressing at a great pace recently and if he was just a bit sharper in the tie-breaks, maybe he could have taken out Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. This is where the question of accumulated fatigue over the past two weeks might come into play though. But still, the quality gap between him and Nicolas Moreno de Alboran should be a bit too much.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Sebastian Baez vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: Baez 1-0
Sebastian Baez is yet to lose in Kitzbuhel after picking up the 2023 title. Now he’s back at the event as the top seed and defending champion. His European adventures this year haven’t been as strong as his Golden Swing form, but this tournament seems like a good opportunity for him to get back on track. The draw has opened up a bit and it might be exactly what the 23-year-old needs to find another big result in Kitzbuhel. Gaston has such a unique game, but Baez should be ready for it with his consistency and speed.
Prediction: Baez in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
