It is time for the quarterfinal matches at the ATP Adelaide Open. The action intensifies with the climax drawing nearer. There are just eight men standing in the draw, and each one of them will be hungry for the title glory here in Adelaide. The line-up for the quarterfinals is looking very strong, and we are in for some exciting tennis. Whom do you think will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Adelaide Quarterfinal Predictions
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Mikael Ymer
Head-to-head: First Meeting
The dream run for Thanasi Kokkinakis continued on his home turf as he defeated fourth seed Frances Tiafoe in a tiring three-setter. He deserves immense credit for coming back from a set down, and a break down twice in the second set. Bouncing back from adversity though, is not something new for Kokkinakis. After a career-threatening injury in 2019, he has worked his way up the rankings by playing in clay challengers, also winning one. He will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity here.
Mikael Ymer is turning out to be the dark horse this tournament. He hasn’t dropped a set in two matches–both against higher ranked players. His second round victory over Soonwoo Kwon was a display of highly efficient tennis. Ymer broke Kwon thrice, and kept troubling him with his power and depth on the ground strokes. He is also serving well, and is always willing to hit one shot more than his opponent. I see this quality taking him past Kokkinakis, but not without a tough fight.
Prediction: Ymer in 3
Laslo Djere vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Djere 0-1 Cilic
Marin Cilic defeated Thiago Monteiro in a two set match that lasted almost two hours. Monteiro was playing at a very high level and giving nothing away. Cilic showed immense grit throughout the match to book a spot in the quarterfinal. Though he wasn’t playing at his highest level, the service was right on the spot. Cilic banged 16 aces, and saved the two breakpoints he faced. Cilic has made the finals in two of his last three ATP tournaments, and he will hope to do the same here. However, he needs to bring his highest level to do so.
Laslo Djere is lucky to find himself in the quarterfinals here at the Adelaide ATP. He was a break down in the second set, but managed to keep his cool and claw back somehow. After losing the second set, Moutet found himself cursing the umpire, and was defaulted. Djere didn’t play his best tennis in the second round, and missed a lot. If he is to play like that against Cilic, the match won’t last for more than two sets. But after getting such an opportunity, I don’t see him throwing it away very easily.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Egor Gerasimov vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Gerasimov 0-2 Khachanov
Egor Gerasimov defeated Gianluca Mager in a three-setter in his second round match. He is the only qualifier left in the draw. Gerasimov broke Mager twice in the first set to take it in 29 minutes, and it felt that the match wouldn’t last more than an hour. Mager had other plans though, as he took the second set to force a decider. Gerasimov then broke his opponent to finally take the decider 6-3. There is really nothing very exceptional about Gerasimov’s game which stands out. He has a good game overall, and wins when everything is clicking. On Friday, Gerasimov will hope that it is.
Karen Khachanov overcame a tough challenge in his second round match in the form of Steve Johnson. Khachanov seemed a little rusty in the first two sets making unforced errors–though he still managed a set and a break lead. But with the start of the third set, his game turned around. His errors dropped, and Khachanov was back at his best. He blasted 16 aces, though also facing eight breakpoints, of which he saved six. If he brings his ‘A’ game in the quarterfinals, there is little doubt as to who will advance.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Gael Monfils vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: First Meeting
Tommy Paul defeated qualifier Taro Daniel in a close encounter to cement his place in the quarterfinal. This is his second consecutive quarterfinal appearance after his title run in Stockholm. The sixth seed hasn’t had it easy in his two matches here in Adelaide, with both going the distance. The hard hitting American had problems with consistency throughout the match, as they come with aggression, more often than not. The semifinalist from last year will try to emulate the feat this year too. If Monfils allows, of course.
Gael Monfils made mincemeat of young Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his second round match that lasted just 55 minutes. Monfils broke Cerundolo five times in the match–though he was broken once–to complete a 6-2,6-1 win. His powerful forehands proved to be too much for for his opponent. Monfils showed us some spectacular points in the match, though when he plays, each point deserves to be in the highlight reel. A few months ago, Monfils would have stood little chance against Paul. However, times have changed, and he is playing close to his best tennis again. Tommy Paul on his day can outlast the best in business, but Monfils is looking just too good.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
