It’s quarterfinal day at the ATP Washington event, with eight competitors vying for an ATP 500 title during the North American hardcourt swing. Some eye-catching matchups are on the cards, and four Top 30 players headline Friday’s matches. As always, LWOT predicts the upcoming matches in the United States capital.
ATP Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Flavio Cobolli vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cobolli continues to grow on the ATP tour this year and recently won in a dramatic encounter against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round, winning in a final-set tiebreak. Meanwhile, Michelsen is yet to drop a set this week, and he’s 5-1 on tour since Wimbledon. The American may be the slight favorite to win this with his strong all-court game. He’ll also use the home crowd to his advantage, as Michelsen has gradually become a crowd favorite.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Shelton 1-0
This is a rematch after the pair’s five-set thriller at Wimbledon last month. Shelton won that match in five sets, and he’s done enough to reach the quarterfinals despite firing too many unforced errors. Shapovalov won his first two matches effortlessly and did well to grind from a set down against Miomir Kecmanović on Thursday. In this all-lefty matchup, Shelton has the stronger and more consistent serve, and he’ll look to use his big forehand to break down Shapovalov’s less adaptable one-handed backhand. The American should win this one in a close two-setter.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: First meeting
Korda barely escaped in his third-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis, saving two match points to win via retirement. Thompson has arguably looked the sharper — he defeated Reilly Opelka and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets while returning flawlessly against the two players known for huge serves. This should be a different style of tennis for Thompson, as Korda will look to break down Thompson’s game with his consistency. There isn’t a favorite in this matchup, but it may be a surprising turnaround for Thompson. Korda will ultimately have nothing to lose after coming back from the brink in the third round.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-1
This is by far the match of the day. Rublev battled in a late-night encounter on Thursday, taking advantage of a late break of serve and winning 7-6 (4) 6-4 against Arthur Rinderknech. Tiafoe has also had to battle through matches under the lights, winning consecutive three-set matches earlier in the week. All of the pair’s meetings have come on American soil, and Tiafoe claimed his two victories at the US Open, while Rublev won in Indian Wells in 2022. Despite Rublev’s surprising dip in form in 2024, he’s looked more solid this week and should reach the semifinals. Tiafoe, as close as possible to his hometown in Washington, will have to use the crowd to his advantage.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
