The quarterfinals are set at the ATP Auckland Classic and some unexpected players have made the last eight. All of the top six seeds have been eliminated in what has been an entertaining start to the tournament and, as always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Auckland Quarterfinal Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: first meeting
Roberto Carballes Baena played a fantastic match to upset Francisco Cerundolo in the second round. That win made it back-to-back quarterfinals for the Spaniard at the ATP Auckland Classic. Carballes Baena served impressively and wasn’t broken the entire match – an excellent showing for a player better known for his baseline consistency. Talking of good serving performances, Zizou Bergs won 81% of his first serve against Luca Nardi. This is the best start Bergs has made to a season so far in his career and the Belgian will doubtless be looking to keep his momentum going. Both players will like their chances to win this match but the conditions might just suit the bigger hitting Bergs.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
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Alex Michelsen vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-head: Michelsen 2-1 Basavareddy
These two played each other in the Next Gen Finals last month, with Alex Michelsen winning. The eighth seed also beat Nishesh Basavareddy comfortably in Knoxville on the Challenger Tour in 2023, though Basavareddy took their first professional meeting earlier that year in Fairfield. Basavareddy also looks to have made strides in the off-season, having impressed en route to his maiden tour-level quarterfinal. Basavareddy knocked out the defending champion Alejandro Tabilo in the second round with his shot-making abilities on full display. Michelsen will have to be at his best to win this match, but his best should be enough.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Jakub Mensik vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-head: Borges 1-0 Mensik
Jakub Mensik avenged last year’s loss to Ben Shelton in Indian Wells in the second-round in Auckland in a thriller. He will have his sights set on settling another score against Nuno Borges, who beat him at the US Open in five sets. Nuno Borges was involved in a thriller too, as he won from a set down for the second match in a row. Both players have played long matches this week and whoever starts better will have a huge advantage as a result. The 19-year-old might just have the edge.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
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Gael Monfils vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Gael Monfils improved significantly from his first-round performance to defeat a very tough opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff. Monfils was untouchable behind his serve. He fired down 14 aces in two sets and wasn’t broken the entire match. This is a great opportunity for the Frenchman to at least make the final here for the first time in his career. Facundo Diaz Acosta is enjoying a fantastic tournament, having advanced to his first hard-court quarterfinal at the tour level. However, Monfils will be a tougher test for the Argentine.
Prediction: Monfils in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
