There are only eight men left standing at the ATP Indian Wells Masters ahead of what should be a thrilling quarterfinals day in the Californian desert. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every quarterfinal clash, but who will book their place in the last four?
ATP Indian Wells Quarterfinal Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: Norrie 2-1 Schwartzman
Cameron Norrie’s breath-taking year shows no signs of slowing down at the ATP Indian Wells Masters. The Brit is one win away from a debut inside the top 20 on men’s tour. A lot of his rise is due to his immense competitive spirit and never-say-die attitude. A heavy-duty forehand and great fitness levels also help. Nonetheless, he will need to be at his best against Diego Schwartzman if he is to emerge from this match as the victor.
The diminutive Argentinian is one of the best ball-strikers on the tour and a brilliant returner of serve. The slower courts in Indian Wells work in his favour as well, giving him time on the ball to unleash off of both wings. This match may well come down to how much defensive work Norrie is willing to do. Given that the Brit loves a good scrap out on the court, he is probably the slight favourite to emerge as the victor here.
prediction: Norrie in 3
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Hubert Hurkacz vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: first meeting
Grigor Dimitrov isn’t the superstar he was at the peak of his powers. Nonetheless, the Bulgarian is still an elite player on his day and is capable of playing some truly spectacular tennis. He was brilliant in the last round, dismissing Medvedev in three tight sets, and will need to be similarly good here against Hubert Hurkacz. The Pole has been one of the best players on the ATP tour this year and he lifted his first Masters 1000 title in Miami earlier this year.
He is also currently a top-ten player and will be featuring in this years Nitto ATP finals if he can maintain his current run of form. Dimitrov likely has the higher level if he plays at his best, but Hurkacz has been consistently good all year. That may be enough here given Dimitrov’s level may well drop somewhat after his stunning but draining performance against Medvedev.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
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Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Zverev 3-1 Fritz
Alexander Zverev’s issues away from the tennis court refuse to go away. However, from a purely tennis perspective, the German has been superb in the second half of the year. He’s lifted Olympic gold and another Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati as well as making the semifinals of the US Open. He is currently one of the top three players in the men’s game and a favourite in almost every match he plays.
However, he is going up against an in-form and dangerous Taylor Fritz, so victory is anything but guaranteed. The American has been knocking on the door of the elite in the men’s game for some time now, but is yet to force his way in. He has a huge serve and is good off both wings. The American is also surprisingly mobile for someone of his size. He will need all of those attributes in abundance here if he is to move on. This match will likely come down to who’s serve holds up best. Given his recent form, that will probably be Zverev, but this should be close and an upset wouldn’t be a massive shock here.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 2-0 Basilashvili
I am still to be convinced of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ credentials as an elite player on the men’s tour when he isn’t on clay. He still loses too many matches that he shouldn’t and can be bafflingly poor at times. Still, when the Greek is playing well he is incredible and he is certainly playing well here. However, he faces a tricky test in the form of Nikoloz Basilashvili. The Georgian – like Zverev – has domestic abuse accusations hovering overhead away from the tennis court.
Nonetheless he too, like the German, has played brilliant tennis this year and is in superb form. Basilashvili is unfalteringly aggressive off of both wings and can generate immense power when on his game. However, the slower courts at Indian Wells will likely mean he has to play more shots than usual, especially with Tsitsipas’ defensive ability. The Greek should be able to draw the errors needed to win this match if he can extend enough points. This could go either way if both are at their best, but give the slight edge to Tsitsipas here.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
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