Two men’s quarterfinals will be played on Thursday at the ATP 1000 event in Cincinnati, with just over a week remaining before the start of the US Open. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will look to snap a losing run against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, while Holger Rune will have to face Terence Atmane, who has broken through on the ATP Tour this week. LWOT previews the two matches below.
ATP Cincinnati Quarterfinal Predictions
Holger Rune vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s been a dream week for Atmane, which peaked Wednesday after the Frenchman stunned Taylor Fritz 3-6 7-5 6-3 for his first Top 10 win. Atmane is a qualifier at this tournament, and he will debut in the Top 100 as a result. Rune is defending semifinalist points at this event, and he’s been steady this tournament with three straight-set wins. The latest win, in the third round over Frances Tiafoe, was courtesy of a retirement from the American.
The Dane might be a little more refreshed and should ultimately be the favorite. Neither players have been able to make a ton of first serves in their previous matches, hovering around 50-60%, so that shot will be critical. Rune has the tendency to break down physically in hot conditions, but he hasn’t played a ton of matches, and it may be tough for Atmane to back up a big win. Expect a tough two-setter, though Atmane can cause the upset if he can extend the rallies.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Jannik Sinner vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: Auger Aliassime 2-0
Auger-Aliassime could use a big tournament result in Cincinnati, and it’s already been a strong event for the Canadian should he lose in this stage. He’s just inside the Top 30, and typically plays his best tennis on these types of hard courts. However, Sinner is on a nine-match winning streak, and he hasn’t dropped a set here. The Italian was vulnerable at times in a 6-4 7-6(4) win over Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round, and Auger-Aliassime did defeat the Italian at this very event in 2022. Sinner’s consistency has greatly improved since then, something that Auger-Aliassime still struggles with. Because of that, Sinner should be the strong favorite to get through this match, but I won’t rule out a three-setter here.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
