The quarterfinals of the ATP Almaty Open look super strong, with all four top seeds making it through. Adrian Mannarino’s elimination means there will be a new champion this year in Almaty. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 5. But which players will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Almaty Quarterfinal Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-Head: Cerundolo 1-1 Shevchenko
These two met last week in Shanghai, where Alexander Shevchenko won in two close sets. Cerundolo will look for revenge but it won’t be easy in front of the crowd supporting Shevchenko. This is Cerundolo’s first quarterfinal on hard courts this year, while it’s second for Shevchenko. The Kazakh player has been good behind his serve but not that clinical from the ground, making many unforced errors in two matches. Cerundolo will look to take full advantage if presented with sloppy errors.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Alejandro Tabilo vs Gabriel Diallo
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Alejandro Tabilo secured an easy win in the second round but will face a much tougher challenge in the quarterfinals. Tabilo has been in horrendous form for the last couple of months, and a run to the final or title will give him a confidence boost. Gabriel Diallo is in the first tour-level quarterfinals of his career, and it will be a big moment for the Canadian. He has defeated two quality players on these quick courts and has the weapons to trouble Tabilo. But because Tabilo has played in these quarterfinals previously, I have more faith in him.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Beibit Zhukayev
Head-to-Head: Khachanov 1-0 Zhukayev
Karen Khachanov was clinical in defeating Otto Virtanen in the second round. Khachanov managed his service games well and capitalized on the opportunities offered to him in the two tiebreaks. These are much-needed wins for Khachanov, and he has the chance to go even further. Beibit Zhukayev has reached his first tour-level quarterfinal after defeating Tomas Machac via retirement. Zhukayev has a massive serve, and this surface suits him pretty well. This seems like a match destined for tiebreaks. I will favour Khachanov in them.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Frances Tiafoe was pushed to the limit for the first two sets by Daniel Evans in a fantastic match. Tiafoe ended the match with 58 winners and 21 aces. Having lost some close matches recently, this was a much-needed win for the American player and should help him going forward. Aleksandar Vukic took out the defending champion in the second round. Vukic is always dangerous on these quick courts with his big first serve, but Tiafoe has more variety at his disposal, and that might prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
