The last eight at the ATP Queen’s Club Championships in London features six of the top eight seeds, including talented youngsters Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune both looking for their first semifinals in any grass court event with a potential final between both youngsters on the cards as well.
ATP Queen’s Club Quarterfinal Predictions
Alex De Minaur vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: De Minaur 3-1
Both men have already had great wins this week with the Australian beating former champion Andy Murray whilst the Frenchman sent Top 10 player Taylor Fritz home in straight sets. The pair have games that work well on the grass which can’t be said for many, they move well and their flat shots are much more effective on this surface than others. Despite De Minaur being the favourite, I can see an upset brewing here with Mannarino using his effective lefty serve out wide as well as ending points quickly at the net, not engaging in long rallies which will suit the younger man.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
Holger Rune vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: 0-0
A battle of the 21-year-old against the 20-year-old. Musetti’s game is flashy and despite his best results coming on clay, it’s no doubt a surface which could yield good results for the Italian down the line with his strokes. On the other hand, despite not much to go off in previous years on grass, Holger Rune’s serve should excel on this surface as should his penetrating groundstrokes on both wings. When I think about how this match could go it’s hard to imagine Musetti having an easy time on serve, at least compared to Rune. I expect the Dane to blow his opponent off the court.
Prediction: Rune in 2
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Sebastian Korda vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Korda 2-1
Home favorite Cameron Norrie will be looking to make another final in England but in his way will be a tough fight against a resurgent young American. Despite injuries ruining Korda’s year so far, he showed up in great fashion beating last week’s Stuttgart winner Frances Tiafoe in the previous round, by far his best performance since January’s Australian Open. The Brit is consistent and beats who he should beat more often than not but without a lack of real weapons he’s going to suffer here. The 22 year old has a far better serve as well as more penetrating groundstrokes. Another good performance this week from Korda like the past few and there will be no Brits left at Queen’s!
Prediction: Korda in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: 0-0
Out of nowhere, Grigor Dimitrov has turned his career around. Making his first final in more than a few years in Geneva he then followed up with a second week appearance at the French Open before qualifying for the main draw here before two solid wins. Alcaraz, in his first event since his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic in Paris, started shaky in his first round match against a lucky loser but after that has improved set by set, resulting in a very impressive performance today, perhaps his best ever thus far on the grass. Dimitrov has the previous results and game for this surface but the Spaniard is looking like despite not moving comfortably, his game and groundstrokes are becoming ever effective on the green stuff.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
