Just eight men remain in contention for the trophy here at the ATP Umag Open 2021. The draw has waned quite nicely to include a mix of top seeds and outside contenders. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all four quarterfinal matches for you.
ATP Umag Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Stefano Travaglia vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head to head – First Meeting
As I’ve said before, Albert Ramos-Vinolas does play exceptionally well on the post Wimbledon clay swing. The Spaniard did live up to that expectation by taking down a tricky opponent in his first round. He’s never faced Stefano Travaglia before and it’ll be an interesting watch for sure.
The Italian has settled down quite nicely so far this week and he’ll be looking to make the most out of it. Travaglia is a heavy baseliner but unfortunately for him, so is the Spaniard. Ramos-Vinolas is extremely content at hanging back and enjoys the extra time the clay courts offer. Expect the Spaniard to open up the courts better than the Italian and get the win.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 2
Filip Krajinovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Head to head – First Meeting
Alcaraz is a rising youngster who keeps on impressing. The comparisons to Rafael Nadal might be both premature and inaccurate for his game, but he looks like Spain’s next superstar.
That’s in the future, though. He’s still a teenager, and still needs to face a very solid player in Krajinovic who is looking in very good form. Someday Alcaraz will be the heavy favorite to win this matchup, but not yet.
Prediction: Krajinovic in 3
Dusan Lajovic vs Daniel Altmaier
Head to head – First Meeting
Altmaier is a sometimes-impressive young player who is still finding his footing on Tour. Lajovic, meanwhile, is an established solid player in the midst of a run of really good form. The Serbian is back in the Top 50 and has all the advantages in this matchup. He should cruise in this one.
Prediction: Lajovic in 2
Damir Dzumhur vs Richard Gasquet
Head to head – Gasquet 1-0 Dzumhur
Judging by this week’s performances, both players head into this match in great form. Damir Dzumhur has lost his serve just once this week and Richard Gasquet hasn’t even once although he’s played just the one match. Matchup wise, they’ve met once three years ago on the indoor courts at Montpellier which is starkly different from the conditions here.
Dzumhur looked locked in throughout his match against Marco Cecchinato which is a huge positive for him. Gasquet is going to be significantly tougher than Cecchinato in terms of shot quality and consistency. However, Gasquet is not young anymore and has certainly lost a step or two on the court. Expect that to be pivotal as the match heads into a decider set and Dzumhur looking the more fresher of the two.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 3
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