Just eight men remain in contention at the Bavarian International in Munich after four days of thrilling tennis. Amongst them are top seed and two-time defending champion Alexander Zverev and third seed Marco Cecchinato of Italy, who has impressed so far. With the trophy now within reach, the competition looks set to heat up. But who will book their place in the last four?
Marco Cecchinato vs Marton Fucsovics (first on Center Court)
Marco Cecchinato is always a dangerous opponent on a clay court, but he has struggled so far in his career against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, losing both of their previous meetings in straight sets. That includes a second-round clash at the Bavarian International last season. That said, the Italian did deliver an assured performance to oust the dangerous Martin Klizan in the first round, 6-1 6-3. Fucsovics, meanwhile, has had to battle hard to reach the last eight, beating Lorenzo Sonego 7-5 4-6 7-6 before rallying past Thiago Monteiro 6-7 6-4 6-3.
Cecchinato, when allowed time on the ball, can do serious damage, particularly with his one-handed backhand. He also possesses delicate touch and uses the drop shot to good effect on a clay court. Fucsovics can summon plenty of power himself, with his forehand his best shot. However, he may be short of energy after his taxing route to the quarterfinals. Against a player of Cecchinato’s talents, that could well prove to be fatal.
Prediction: Cecchinato in three
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Alexander Zverev vs Christian Garin (second on Center Court)
In a rematch of their 2013 Roland Garros Boys’ final, which the Chilean won 6-4 6-1, top seed Alexander Zverev and Christian Garin will meet for a place in the Bavarian International quarterfinals. Since that loss to Garin, Zverev has gone from strength to strength on the main tour, winning ten titles, including the ATP Finals and three Masters 1000 events. Garin, in contrast, struggled to breakthrough initially, but claimed his first tour-level title earlier this season in Houston.
Zverev will surely look to dictate proceedings in this encounter with his powerful groundstrokes, with his two-hander one of the most potent in the men’s game. That power was on full display as he swept past Juan Ignacio Londero 7-5 6-1 in the first round. Garin does not possess quite such easy power, but he spreads the court impressively and can inject pace into his forehand when inside the baseline. Yet to drop a set in Munich, the 22-year-old has thus far been mightily impressive, particularly in his 6-1 7-5 victory over Diego Schwartzman. But Zverev clearly enjoys playing at the Bavarian International and, with the crowd behind him, he should have enough to get over the line.
Prediction: Zverev in three
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Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Matteo Berrettini (third on Center Court)
In the first-meeting between two men in form, Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber will face Matteo Berrettini of Italy, recently the champion in Budapest. The Italian has continued in his winning ways by conquering Denis Istomin and Denis Kudla in straight sets. Kohlschreiber proved too strong for Andreas Seppi in the first round, winning 6-2 7-5, before upsetting second seed Karen Khachanov 7-6 6-4 to extend the Russian’s difficult start to 2019.
Kohlschreiber greatest assets, especially on a clay court, are his movement and the accuracy of his groundstrokes. He used both to frustrate the big-hitting Khachanov and will need to do so again against the similarly powerful Berrettini. The Italian is at his best when stepping into the court to deliver punishing blows off both the forehand and backhand, though it is the former which is his best shot. Full of confidence after his recent success at the Hungarian Open, expect him to find away through the stubborn Kohlschreiber.
Prediction: Berrettini in three
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Roberto Bautista Agut vs Guido Pella (fourth on Center Court)
Roberto Bautista Agut may not have quite the same affinity for the red clay as many of his countrymen, but he is nonetheless never an easy opponent to face. Guido Pella, who suffered a bruising 3-6 1-6 1-6 loss to the Spaniard in the first round at Melbourne Park two years ago, can surely attest to that. However, the Argentine is playing the best tennis of his career and impressed in beating Mischa Zverev, 6-1 6-2, and Taro Daniel, 6-1 6-7 6-3, to reach the last eight.
Bautista Agut’s consistent hitting, meanwhile, helped him to see of German teenager Rudolf Molleker comfortably. But he will almost certainly find Pella a far harder nut to crack. Pella has been playing with real conviction on the clay all season, using his excellent court coverage and effective groundstrokes to outlast opponents. Long rallies seem certain to be the order of the day and there looks to be little to separate this pair. But Pella is the man in better form and that confidence could prove invaluable in the crucial moments.
Prediction: Pella in three
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