Quarterfinal day at the ATP Stuttgart Open looks set to be an entertaining one, featuring a mix of top seeds and surprise packages. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all four quarterfinals, but who will book their place in the
ATP Quarterfinal Stuttgart Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: first meeting
In a battle full of tiebreaks and 48 combined aces, Hubert Hurkacz prevailed in a third-set tiebreak in his opener. His movement was noticeably poor in the match, as it definitely seemed that the Pole was working to adjust to the faster grass courts. Christopher O’Connell’s snatched some nice wins this week, taking out Sonego in straight sets. The Autralian’s also been prone to some surprising losses, especially with his loss to Tarop Daniel at the French, winning only six games. Both players are ultimately vulnerable to wayward patches of form during a match, so this could be a messy three-setter. Going for the upset on this one, as Hurkacz’s game is lacking its usual at the moment.
Prediction: O’Connell in 3
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Márton Fucsovics vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Fritz 2-0 Fucsovics
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Richard Gasquet vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-head: Gasquet 2-0 Struff
A vintage Richard Gasquet showed up for his second round match, stunning the out-of-sorts Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. The last game of the match at 6-5 demonstrated Gasquet’s strengths; his slice backhand worked well to force errors, and he fired numerous powerful backhand winners down the line. Gasquet’s first serve did a lot of damage as well, winning 81% of his first serve points.
Jan-Lennard Struff’s serve was similarly flawless against Tommy Paul, hitting 21 aces in a tiebreak-filled victory. The German recovered well from going down a break early in the second set, eventually taking out the fifth seed. Gasquet’s win was his 600th on tour, and look for this match to result in his 601st. Gasquet is very experienced playing ATP 250’s, winning 16 titles all at the 250 level and has the veteran experience to back up a big win.
Prediction: Gasquet in 2
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Lorenzo Musetti vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: Musetti 3-2 Tiafoe
Arguably the match of the day, both Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe are at similar(ish) stages in their careers though the American has a few years experience and better results under his belt. Both are ranked comfortably inside the top 20 and with two titles to their names, this grass court season is a big opportunity for either player to step up into the top 10. While both surely want to make a big run at Wimbledon, a Stuttgart title victory would be either player’s first on grass.
On top of this, their Rome match was a gruelling and dramatic battle, with the home Italian crowd pulling Musetti through to a victory. Because of this, Tiafoe should have lots of hunger and willingness for revenge. He also looked great in his opening match, taking out Lecheka in straight sets. One of the most motivated and fiery players on tour, Tiafoe should be the slight favorite with what’s at stake.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
