Another fantastic day at the ATP Estoril Open saw more intense battles unfold as the top seed Denis Shapovalov was sent packing by Corentin Moutet. Day 5 brings with it the quarterfinals, where the final eight will be battling hard for a spot in the semis. We will be making our predictions as to who will be making it through to the last four. But who will come out on top on Day 5?
ATP Estoril Quarterfinal Predictions
Ugo Humbert vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: First meeting
A very interesting match-up here. Both players have been solid so far, and Davidovich Fokina was exceptional in his 6-1 6-2 thrashing over Jeremy Chardy. This match see a very interesting clash of styles; Humbert plays gracefully and can wear his opponents down brilliantly, whereas Davidovich Fokina has the firepower and speed to take down many top players.
This will most likely come down to who can outlast who in the rallies. If Davidovich Fokina can be at his brutal best and hit his targets, then he’s in with a great chance. Of the two players, his better tennis has definitely come on clay. Humbert will be a very tough opponent though and Davidovich Fokina won’t be able to walk over him, so expect a tight affair. However, the young Spaniard should be strong enough to come through.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: Norrie 1 – o Garin
Cameron Norrie prevailed in a titanic match against Pedro Martinez, and it would be unsurprising if he is a little fatigued after it. Garin was set to play Gasquet but was given a walkover as the Frenchman had to pull out with injury. This means that Garin has yet to play so far this week, which could either be seen as an advantage or hinderance. His energy levels and fitness will be perfect for the match, but his lack of match play also may result in him taking some time to adjust.
Norrie has been in wonderful form this week and will be relishing his chance of moving forward to the semi-finals. This match will see a lot of grueling rallies and won’t be easy for either player. However, Garin’s record on clay is superior to Norrie’s, and he definitely looks to be a future star on this surface. Garin should come through with the win, but it will be tough.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head-to-head: Moutet 1 – 1 Ramos-Vinolas
Moutet and Ramos-Vinolas managed to pull off upsets on day 4, most notably the Frenchman’s fantastic win over top seed Denis Shapovalov. Both men are proving very tough to beat this week, and this match could certainly go either way. Ramos-Vinolas’ experience and class on the clay is shining through right now, and his consistent focus is seeing him get a lot of wins under his belt. Moutet has another tricky opponent, and the only match they played on clay was a very easy for win for Ramos-Vinolas (6-0 6-3).
Moutet’s match with Shapovalov had plenty of ups and downs in it, and he did well to capitalise on Shapovalov’s error-strewn performance. However, he won’t be getting the same from Ramos-Vinolas. When the veteran Spaniard is playing well, he makes very little to no errors, and he’s showing that in Estoril. Moutet deserves plenty of respect for his performances this week, and won’t go down without a fight. However, Ramos-Vinolas should prevail in an intense match.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 3
Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson
Head-to-head: Cilic 6 – 1 Anderson
Undoubtedly the most enticing match-up of the day comes from two giants of the game. Cilic has been up and down this week but has shown excellent mental fortitude to win some close matches, which he has often struggled with throughout his career. Kevin Anderson has been brilliant to watch this week as he continues to make his way back to the top of the game, and now faces a difficult task in someone he’s lost to six times and beaten only once.
With the way these two play and the form they’re showing, a three-setter is almost inevitable. Massive serves, enormous groundstrokes will dominate the match, so it may well come down to who stays in the rallies better. Cilic’s mental struggles in tight matches may rise up here as he faces his toughest opponent of the week, who is a ruthless player when his tail is up. Either way, this will be a very close encounter. If Cilic slips up at any point, expect Anderson to capitalise and book his spot in the last four.
Prediction: Anderson in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
