The quarterfinals are set at the first edition of the ATP Hangzhou Open as the top three seeds are already out. This gives a golden opportunity for others to step up and win the title. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the slate for all four quarterfinals. But who will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Hangzhou Quarterfinal Predictions
Mikhail Kukushkin vs Bu Yunchaokete
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Mikhail Kukushkin is enjoying something of a resurgence this week with the Kazakh. once a relatively consistent member of the top 50, in the quarterfinals of an ATP tournament for the first time since 2020. Kukushkin hasn’t lost a set in his two matches and has been brilliant behind the first serve. Bu Yunchaokete shocked Karen Khachanov in the second round to make his first-ever quarterfinal at the tour level. Like everyone, this is a great opportunity for these two to make the semifinals. Yunchaokete has served 22 aces in two matches this week and with the crowd’s backing, he has the edge.
Prediction: Yunchaokete in 3
Zhizhen Zhang vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Zhizhen Zhang put up a much better performance in the second round as he easily defeated Mattia Bellucci. The Chinese did not face a break point and looked great in every department. Zhang has never won an ATP title and this is a great opportunity for him to win one on his home soil. Roberto Carballes Baena advanced to the quarterfinal without having to play his second-round match due to his opponent’s withdrawal. This would have been a closer match on clay but Zhang has more weapons on hard courts.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Marin Cilic vs Yasutaka Uchiyama
Head-to-Head: Cilic 1-0 Uchiyama
It took just one match for Marin Cilic to find his best level as he played a vintage match to dismantle Yoshihito Nishioka. This was the best match since Cilic’s comeback and will do his confidence loads of good. He has served 29 aces in two matches and is barely losing any points on his serve. The Croatian will face Yasutaka Uchiyama, who took out the top seed, Holger Rune, in the second round. This was Uchiyama’s biggest win of his career. He was a former Junior No. 1 and is finally playing some great tennis. With his big serve and forehand, he can trouble Cilic. Interestingly, these two met seven years ago when Cilic won in straight sets as the top seed. I expect a similar outcome but a closer match.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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Brandon Nakashima vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-Head: Nakashima 1-0 Hijikata
Brandon Nakashima is the highest seed left in the draw and was mightily close to getting eliminated in the second round. However, he showed his best tennis in the third set to close out the match strongly. He will face a stern test in the form of Rinky Hijikata, who is extremely hard to beat these days, Hijikata benefitted from the withdrawal of Fabian Marozsan in the second round. The Australian player didn’t look convincing in the first round and that level won’t cut it against Nakashima.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Mainp photo credit: Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
