Following Felix Auger-Aliassime’s shock exit in the second round, we are guaranteed a new champion at this year’s ATP Swiss Indoors in Basel. Four high-quality quarterfinals matches are slated on Friday with the pick of those featuring a power-hitting contest between Andrey Rublev and Ben Shelton. Who will advance?
ATP Basel Quarterfinal Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Fils 1-0 Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas secured the tightest of straight-sets wins over Botic van de Zandschulp in the last round. There was little to separate between them, but the Greek stayed clutch under pressure by fending off four of five break points. Arthur Fils, for his part, downed clay-court specialist Pedro Martinez in straight sets to pick his seventh win in his last eight matches. While Tsitsipas has far greater pedigree and success on this surface, Fils packs a punch from the back of the court. He’s also tasted victory in this matchup, giving him a slight edge in Basel.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: first meeting
There are signs of a major resurgence in Denis Shapovalov’s season. After that disappointing defeat to Alexander Blockx at the Orleans Challenger last month, the Canadian has now tallied five wins from six matches. His latest win was against the in-form Antwerp champion Bautista Agut.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, for his part, knocked out two-time defending champion Auger-Aliassime with a sensational all-round performance. A lot has been written about his potent serve, but his mobility is impressive for a player of his stature. He’s more than a one-trick pony, and the young Frenchman’s underrated attributes will probably give him an advantage against the unpredictable Shapovalov.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 2
Holger Rune vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: first meeting
The final stretch of the season tends to bring the best out of Holger Rune. He is playing with a lot of attacking intent this week. The fourth seed has seen off big-hitting Nicolas Jarry and home favorite Dominic Stricker without the loss of a set. David Goffin is making the most of his second opportunity in the main draw after getting in as a lucky loser. He upset high-flying Ugo Humbert to secure an unlikely quarterfinal spot. Rune will be wary of the Belgian’s versatility, and he’s demonstrated his admirable endurance by winning a trio of three-set matches. Still, it’s tough to imagine him keeping this level for one more round. The Dane is posed to preserve his record of having never lost before the semifinal in Basel.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a run of three defeats in four matches, Andrey Rublev has turned his fortunes around in Basel. Victory over Alejandro Tabilo means that the Russian has now reached at least the quarterfinal in 13 tournaments this season. Despite his regular on-court outbursts, he has consistently gotten to the sharp end of the draw. But his inability to scour for solutions against top-tier competition is becoming a habit, as he has recorded only two wins against players ranked in the Top 20 this year. Ben Shelton offers more than just a one-dimensional power game, with a cocktail of slices, change of pace, and clever use of angles. Rublev could have his hands full here.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
