Plenty of high seeds remain in the top half of the ATP Miami draw–No. 1 Alexander Zverev, No. 3 Taylor Fritz, or No. 10 Alex de Minaur (who put a stop to the dreams of the countless Brazilian fans at this venue by defeating Joao Fonseca). The line-up for Tuesday also features an all-Czech clash between Tomas Machac and Jakub Mensik. Who do you think will make the quarterfinals?
ATP Miami Day 7 Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Adam Walton
Head-to-head: First meeting
Adam Walton has been incredibly lucky this week, not only getting right into the second round after Hubert Hurkacz’s withdrawal, but also enjoying a very pleasant draw to the fourth round. Nonetheless, you have to be there to take these opportunities and it’s his first big run on the main circuit. That said, it’s tough to see which part of his game could trouble Taylor Fritz. Good serve and baseline consistency is pretty much exactly what the American is known for himself, just with much more pace on both wings.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Tomas Machac vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: Machac 1-0
The two Czechs battled recently in the first round in Acapulco with Tomas Machac prevailing in three sets. While the winner of that match went on to win the title, it was one of his toughest tests along the way. It should be close again, especially as Jakub Mensik’s serve has been unreturnable this week. Machac for now is a slightly more complete player, but it’s great that the youngster is also putting his game together and will probably be ranked much higher than right now at the end of the season.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-head: 2-2
Alex de Minaur willed himself into the match against Joao Fonseca with a great display of grit and tenacity. But once he saw the light at the end of the tunnel and a physical advantage he could exploit, he was simply ruthless in converting that. The physical toll shouldn’t be a big deal for him here, he’s as fit as a fiddle. But don’t sleep on Matteo Berrettini, who’s been playing so well for about a year now and is kind of due a run at a bigger event. This seems very close.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Zverev 3-1
Alexander Zverev needed to bounce back from a terrible stretch in February and an opening-round loss in Indian Wells. He’s doing it here, but also hasn’t been properly tested yet. Arthur Fils defeated him in Hamburg last year, taking over three and a half hours to finish off one of the best matches of the season. Going for another big upset here will be difficult, particularly after the Frenchman spent way too much time struggling with Frances Tiafoe yesterday. He finished that encounter cramping and might run out of steam here.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
