The ATP Mallorca Championships seem a bit more open now with top-seeded Ben Shelton getting eliminated on Wednesday. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any big names left in the competition. No. 3 seed Alex Michelsen has been in two grass-court ATP Tour finals, while Gabriel Diallo won a title on the lawn this season already. Meanwhile, No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliasssime is taking on Hamad Medjedovic. Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Mallorca Quarterfinal Predictions
Learner Tien vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: Tien 1-0
When they played at the Australian Open, Learner Tien was trying to follow up a Top 10 win over Daniil Medvedev. Now he’s in a similar position after defeating Ben Shelton in the second round. It’s pretty tough to say how grass will factor into this matchup, especially as both players are so creative and can approach this encounter in many different ways. Working on somewhat limited information, it’s tough not to back Tien to repeat his win from Melbourne with his more grounded version of a similar game.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Alex Michelsen vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: First meeting
Roberto Bautista Agut is in his fourth Mallorca quarterfinal in as many appearances, and while generally this season hasn’t been strong for his standards, getting back on grass has given him a major boost. He posted some great wins on the way to a semifinal at Queen’s Club last week and might not have said the last word here. Alex Michelsen’s game suits this court too, but Bautista Agut has that flat forehand and the veteran experience on his side. It might be enough.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 2
Gabriel Diallo vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 1-0
These two just played at the French Open, with Tallon Griekspoor prevailing in four sets. However, the Dutchman was heavily favored to beat Gabriel Diallo on clay. It’s not quite the same on this surface, and the Canadian is very high on confidence now after winnning his maiden title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch two weeks ago. Considering Griekspoor is only playing his second match after the injury he had in Paris, this could be an opportunity for revenge.
Prediction: Diallo in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Hamad Medjedovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
They were supposed to meet in Doha when Hamad Medjedovic got that injury while sliding to a ball against Stefanos Tsitsipas, which eventually led to the Serbian being forced to withdraw. On grass this could be a very serve-oriented affair, and who does that suit? Maybe Medjedovic, who doesn’t move that well on this surface and likes a bit more time off the ground, but it’s possible for him to make this match not really about that. If it’s a lottery servebotting contest, he’s got a solid shot.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
