It’s time for the bottom half quarterfinal matches of the 2023 ATP Miami Open. Will it be a predictable final four all-Russian meeting between Karen Khachanov and Daniil Medvedev, or will Francisco Cerundolo or Christopher Eubanks find a way to produce an upset? Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Miami Quarterfinal Predictions Including
Karen Khachanov vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Khachanov 1-0
Who could have thought that Miami would become Francisco Cerundolo’s favorite event on Tour? The Argentinian is usually associated with clay court prowess, but has now backed up his semifinal run from last year with an arguably cleaner last-eight appearance. And it all comes after a mediocre start to 2023, but that’s kinda the nature of Cerundolo’s game. If the forehand is clicking, he can be dangerous anywhere.
In their only previous meeting in Montreal last year, Karen Khachanov won 7-6 5-7 6-3. The Russian is also having a great week, dispatching Jiri Lehecka and Stefanos Tsitsipas without dropping a set (he did lose one to Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round). The 26-year-old has a lot more experience in these stages of hard court events and is generally the more consistent competitor, but with Cerundolo peaking again right now, he’ll need to be very sharp to prevail.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-head: First meeting
Christopher Eubanks has been one of the stories of the Miami Open so far, qualifying and making the quarterfinals, which also allowed him to secure a Top 100 debut. The American had a great finish to the 2022 season and now managed to capitalize on the strongest patch of play in his career so far. Trying to prevent him from going further will be the World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev though.
The Russian won a ridiculous 21 of his last 22 matches and he’s one of the best players in the world when it comes to neutralizing big serves. Eubanks will probably have an opportunity to serve-and-volley due to Medvedev’s returning position, but it’s not really a fully natural part of his game. If you wanna look for examples of what the 2021 US Open can do to serve-based players, look no further than his fourth-round match with Quentin Halys.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
