Day seven of the ATP Stockholm Open promises to be exciting, with a number of thrilling quarterfinal matches lined up in the Swedish capital. As always, we at LWOT will offer our predictions for all four matches, but who will secure a place in the semifinals in Stockholm?
ATP Stockholm Quarterfinal Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 3-1 Paul
Many expect Tommy Paul to come out on top in his quarterfinal clash with Miomir Kecmanovic, but the head-to-head record tells a different story. Surprisingly, Kecmanovic has won three of their four meetings, including their most recent encounter at the 2024 Australian Open third round. All of their matches have been played either in the United States or Australia, with Paul’s only win coming at last year’s Western and Southern Open. Despite the head-to-head, the American has been stronger on hard courts this season, boasting a 22-11 record compared to Kecmanovic’s 12-15. While it could be a close contest, Paul’s form on hard courts gives him the edge.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 2-2 Ruud
The quarterfinal matchup between Casper Ruud and Tallon Griekspoor promises to be a spicy encounter, with their head-to-head record standing equal. However, Ruud has won their last two meetings, both on hard courts. Despite being known as a clay-court specialist, the two-time Roland Garros finalist has performed well on hard courts this year, posting a solid 22-10 record. Griekspoor has had a respectable season too, with a 15-12 record on hard courts and 27-23 overall. Ruud’s standout moments this year came on clay, where he reached the Monte Carlo final, won in Barcelona, and made the semifinals at Roland Garros. With the Norwegian pushing to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals, he’ll be highly motivated to secure a quarterfinal victory.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Dominic Stricker vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Dominic Stephen Stricker undoubtedly has a promising future, but his inconsistency on the ATP Tour this season has been evident, with a modest 7-6 record on hard courts. That doesn’t inspire much confidence heading into his first meeting with Grigor Dimitrov. Stricker did show flashes of his potential earlier in the season, but against an opponent like Dimitrov, he may struggle to find his footing. The Bulgarian, meanwhile, has enjoyed a solid year, reaching the finals of the Miami Masters, where he notably defeated Carlos Alcaraz. He also played a key role in Team Europe’s victory at the Laver Cup last month, beating Ben Shelton in straight sets. Given Dimitrov’s current form and experience, he is the clear favorite to advance to the semifinals.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Stanislas Wawrinka
The quarterfinal clash between Andrey Rublev and Stanislas Wawrinka is undoubtedly the most anticipated match of the group. The two first met in Chennai in 2016, where the three-time Grand Slam champion triumphed, but much has changed. Now, in the twilight of his career, the Swiss has struggled with form, posting a 3-5 record on hard courts this year. In contrast, Rublev is enjoying a good yet inconsistent season, having won the Madrid Masters and reached the finals of the Toronto Masters. With a strong 29-12 record on hard courts in 2024, the Russian is the favorite, though Wawrinka’s experience could make it a tightly contested battle.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
