The ATP Citi Open quarterfinals are set in Washington, D.C., and it is a brilliant lineup with all four matches promising thrilling tennis. #1 seed Taylor Fritz is safely through, but the match of the day is between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-Head: De Minaur 0-1 Nakashima
The #7 seed Alex de Minaur is into the Washington quarterfinals for the first time since 2018. He was involved in a thriller against Jiri Lehecka but could have won in straight sets if he had converted one of the two match points he had in the second set. Brandon Nakashima defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets and is through to his first quarterfinal here. Nakshima has the advantage in the serve department here, but the Australian is a better returner and will frustrate Nakashima from the baseline. I expect a close battle, but going with the higher seed.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: Medvedev 1-0 Moutet
Daniil Medvedev passed one of his biggest tests of the week in the first round against Reilly Opelka, and the second round seemed much easier for the former finalist. This is a great chance for Medvedev to reach another semifinal here, as I don’t think Corentin Moutet can trouble him a lot on a hard court. He can make it tricky, but Medvedev’s consistency will suffocate the Frenchman and force him to risk more.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Taylor Fritz vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-Head: Fritz 3-3 Davidovich Fokina
These two will face off for the second time this month, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will like his chances better in a three-set format. The head-to-head is tied between these two, but Fritz has won the last two meetings and is playing some great tennis. His serve is the biggest differentiator in this match, and I think the Spaniard will once again have a hard time breaking it. This should be a competitive match, as it always is between these two, and I’m going with the top seed.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-Head: Shelton 2-1 Tiafoe
Ben Shelton played another solid match, defeating the dangerous Gabriel Diallo in straight sets. He served 16 aces and did not face a break point all match. The #4 seed is back in the Washington quarterfinals and will play compatriot Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Flavio Cobolli with a dominating performance. This was the first time Tiafoe has won back-to-back matches on hard courts this season. He also continues his quarterfinal streak here and will be excited to face his younger countryman once again. It was a great battle the last time these two faced off at the 2024 US Open, with Tiafoe edging it out. However, I am expecting a different result this time.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
