rWe arrive at the quarterfinal stage of the 2020 ATP ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. After many upsets in the first two rounds, the field is looking rather even and surely exciting to follow. With the great mix between young guns and veterans, who do you have to reach the semifinals?
ATP Rotterdam Quarterfinal Predictions
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head: First meeting
While it was a fabulous performance to defeat David Goffin from the 18-year-old Jannik Sinner, one should remain cautious. The Italian can blow anyone off the court when he’s on, but consistently keeping up that level might be a whole different challenge. Especially as on the other side of the net will be Pablo Carreno Busta, whose game is basically built around forcing his opponent to make mistakes.
That said, it’s hard not to jump on the Sinner hype train here. The youngster was so composed and so focused against Goffin, not at any moment showing the discrepancy in experience between them. There is a lot of raw talent on this guy and his fearless attitude means he’s clearly going places. This should be a very interesting contrast of styles, with Sinner likely taking that if his game clicks.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Aljaz Bedene
Head-to-head: First meeting
Two of the better performers of the week so far. Felix Auger-Aliassime’s form has been going up and down recently and the Canadian hasn’t played a match like the one against Grigor Dimitrov in a while. Aljaz Bedene has been quietly improving his serve over the past year or so and developed into a real top-echelon indoor hard competitor.
While it should be another close game, expect the Canadian to find a way to win. The youngster has bigger weaponry and should be able to dictate play in longer rallies. That may lead to a big unforced error count but it should help him to come out on top in the long run.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Filip Krajinovic vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: 1-1
Andrey Rublev has only lost once in his last 17 matches (to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open). The Russian is playing the best tennis of his career and it doesn’t look like this series is about to end. Rublev sent Nikoloz Basilashvili and Alexander Bublik packing here without facing a single breakpoint. Meanwhile, Filip Krajinovic has also caught a good run of form, reaching the semifinals in Montpellier last week (lost to Monfils). The Serbian is through to the quarterfinals in Rotterdam with wins over Tallon Griekspoor and Vasek Pospisil. Perhaps worrisome can be the way he struggled to close out the Canadian, who struggled with cramps and some right leg issue.
The rise in the level of the competition will be steep for Krajinovic. The Russian gave his opponent just three games when they met at the Davis Cup Finals in November. While that was obviously an extreme result, it’s unlikely to fill Krajinovic with a lot of confidence coming into this one.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Gael Monfils vs Daniel Evans
Head-to-head: Monfils 1-0
It’s starting to look like this is Gael Monfils’ tournament to lose. The defending champion is in stunning form and is coming off a great week in Montpellier, where he grabbed his ninth career title. Daniel Evans is through to the quarterfinals with great wins over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Karen Khachanov. This indoor surface is a great fit for the Brit’s unorthodox game.
Evans managed to frustrate the power-hitting Karen Khachanov with his knifing slice, but it won’t be as easy here. While Monfils can obviously hit big, that’s not what his game is mostly about. The Frenchman’s sensational court coverage and his counterpunching should see him through against Evans.
Prediction: Monfils in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
