It should be an exciting Davis Cup quarterfinal tie between Spain and the Czech Republic. Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal because of an injury sustained at the ATP Finals means Pablo Carreno Busta and Jaume Munar need to step up for the Spaniards. As always, we at LWOT predict all the action, including Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo’s match in Germany’s tie against Argentina. But who will advance?
Davis Cup Quarterfinal Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Lehecka 2-0 Munar
Lehecka did not drop a set in his previous meetings against Munar. This year’s runner-up at the Queen’s Club thrived against an opponent who strikes the ball solidly but without overwhelming pace. One of those victories came indoors in Antwerp just over a year ago. Lehecka’s game is much more naturally suited to indoor courts, and beating him in Bologna is a formidable challenge for Munar.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
Tomas Machac/Adam Pavlasek vs Marcel Granollers/Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match will only be played if the tie is locked at 1-1 after the singles. Granollers is by far the most accomplished doubles player of the quartet. After losing his first five Grand Slam finals, he won this year’s French Open and Wimbledon alongside Horacio Zeballos. Machac and Pavlasek reached the bronze medal match together at the 2024 Olympics, showing their potential. However, that success does not convince me that they can overcome a team containing a man who has been utterly outstanding in doubles this year.
Prediction: Granollers/Martinez in 3
Jakub Mensik vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: Mensik 1-0 Carreno Busta
Mensik narrowly overcame Carreno Busta at the ASB Classic in January. The veteran Spaniard impressed in that match, but his results this season have been patchy. Mensik has also been inconsistent since stunningly winning the Miami Open. Nonetheless, I am unconvinced that Carreno Busta can match his younger opponent’s intensity on the indoor court. The two-time US Open semifinalist needs Mensik to be below his best to have a chance.
Prediction: Mensik in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images
