Although half of the seeds have failed to reach the last eight in Acapulco, there a still a mouth-watering day in prospect. The Abierto Mexicano is hotting up as the business end of the tournament approaches.
ATP Acapulco Quarterfinal Predictions
Mackenzie McDonald vs Cameron Norrie
McDonald and Norrie are both something of a surprise package and share more than a few similarities. The pair both came through the US College tennis system, are 23-years-old and have earned less than $1 million in prize money. McDonald had a fine second round victory over sixth seed Frances Tiafoe, whereas Norrie battled past struggling fourth seed Diego Schwartzman. Whoever wins will debut in the top 50. The two have met twice before on the Challenger tour and coincidentally, both meetings were quarterfinals. The Briton won both fairly comfortably and expect him to extend his strong record against the American.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
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John Isner vs John Millman
For the first time in three years, Isner will face Millman. The contrast in styles between these two could hardly be more pronounced. In the second round, Isner used his colossal serve and powerful groundstrokes to eliminate fellow big man Sam Querrey from the tournament in straight sets. Millman did not have to dig deep into his fighting reserves as he dispatched Peter Gojowczyk with ease to book his place in the last eight at the ATP Acapulco. On both occasions when these two have played, it has been the big American that has come out on top, although the Australian has grabbed a set in both. Expect Isner’s booming serve to be too much for Millman once again.
Prediction: Isner in 2
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Alex De Minaur vs Alexander Zverev
There will be a battle of the Next Gen as the Australian takes on the German for a place in the semifinals in Acapulco. Although he does not really need it, De Minaur will have energy to spare after Feliciano Lopez withdrew ahead of their second-round match. Zverev, on the other hand, was utterly devastating against the veteran David Ferrer, winning 7-6 6-1. These two young players have faced off three times previously, with all three going the way of the German (the last two comfortably). De Minaur will, as always, put up a fight, but expect Zverev’s greater power and experience should give him the decisive edge.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
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Nick Kyrgios vs Stan Wawrinka
Tennis fans everywhere will be glued to their screens when these two face off once again, with their frosty off court relationship adding extra flavour to the contest. Kyrgios has looked motivated all week in Acapulco and that showed when he defeated Rafael Nadal in a brilliant display, saving three match points along the way. Wawrinka has also played a high level in Acapulco, dispatching Americans Ryan Harrison and Steve Johnson in straight sets. This will be the pairs’ sixth meeting, with the Swiss player leading 3-2 (and 2-1 on hard courts), but we know Kyrgios is a big match player and not many matches are bigger than this. Expect the Kyrgios show to air for at least one more night in Acapulco.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 3
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