The quarterfinals of ATP Antwerp are upon us and top two seeds Jannik Sinner and Diego Schwartzman both feature alongside just one more seed, Lloyd Harris. Let’s see who will make the final four in Belgium.
ATP Antwerp Quarter-Final Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Rinderknech 1-0
Despite the Frenchman leading the head-to-head, it must be said that their only meeting which was earlier this year was on the clay courts in Lyon. On the hardcourts here in Antwerp it’s an entirely different story, Sinner’s serve while not great yet will still be far more effective and his groundstrokes far more penetrating. Despite Rinderknech’s two good wins this week both are against predominantly claycourters in Delbonis and Lajovic. If the Italian keeps up the same level as in his last match against fellow Italian Musetti, this won’t be overly competitive.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Jenson Brooksby vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: 0-0
The last time Davidovich Fokina made a quarter-final was unbelievably in June at Roland Garros, since then his form and results have been a struggle to say the least. In his way now is talented 20 year old Brooksby who hasn’t lost a set here in four matches including qualifying. The American’s last two losses have come against top five players too which perhaps shows what it’s taken to beat him. Simply, Brooksby is a complete wall at the back of the court on hardcourts and he’s only going to get better. Davidovich Fokina has more than his work cut out for him if he’s going to win this one.
Prediction: Brooksby in 2
Marton Fucsovics vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: 1-1
The Hungarian came into this week with seven losses in his last eight events, with that in mind there’s perhaps no way he expected to be in the quarter-finals here. He’s had a surprisingly good round of 16 win against Bautista-Agut from a set down which should give him massive confidence however let’s not forget Lloyd Harris is having the year of his career and only looks to be improving as time goes on. Fucsovics when playing well is solid, there’s no real weapons but he’ll generally beat lower ranked guys and unfortunately for him Harris isn’t one of these guys. The South African has a dangerous serve and huge forehand, both huge aids on indoor hardcourts. Harris’ game should be too much for the Hungarian to handle here.
Prediction: Harris in 2
Brandon Nakashima vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: 0-0
Talented American Nakashima came through a real battle against Laaksonen Thursday night and now immediately the next day has to take on Diego Schwartzman who dispatched of former world number one Andy Murray in straight sets. Nakashima did not look great it must be said while Schwartzman on the other hand put in one of his best performances of 2021 in getting the better end of the stick against Murray. Nakashima’s biggest struggle will be being able to win points against the Argentine due to a lack of big weapons anywhere in his game and the world #14 being far better on the baseline and in longer rallies.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Main Photo from Getty Images
