Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev remain the main contenders for the ATP 500 title in Rotterdam, but don’t they have it easy to get there (and they didn’t in the first place, not with how strong this draw was). The recent Australian Open champion takes on former World No. 3 Milos Raonic, while Rublev takes on de Minaur in their 7th meeting. Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Rotterdam Quarterfinal Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alexander Shevchenko might not be the first player you think of when you think of indoor hard courts, but maybe he should be in the conversation. His maiden ATP Tour final and two Top 10 wins (one this week over Holger Rune) have both come in such conditions and all the slow indoor events we have on the circuit right now are helping his progress. He’s been reliant on opponents feeding him pace though and Grigor Dimitrov is both smart enough not to fall into his traps but also has so many different tools at his disposal.
Predictions: Dimitrov in 2
Alex de Minaur vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: 3-3
Their recent clash at the Australian Open was just incredible with Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur going blow for blow with each other for over four hours. It was tough on them both physically and if the cramps for the Russian came at an earlier point of the match than at 4-0 in the fifth set, who knows how it would have ended. Maybe de Minaur will have a better chance in a three-setter, but Rublev has won this event before and generally performs better in this part of the season. He deserves a slight edge.
Predictions: Rublev in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Emil Ruusvuori
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 4-0
Earlier this week Emil Ruusuvori extended his head-to-head lead against Ugo Humbert to 5-0, now he’ll try to avoid that situation himself against Tallon Griekspoor. It’s hard to find any underlying issues in this matchup, but we can’t really say it’s that random given the Dutchman straight-setted him three times last year. Even disregarding that, Griekspoor has a fantastic Rotterdam record with five of his ten Top 20 wins coming at this venue. He’s also been incredibly clutch this week.
Predictions: Griekspoor in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Milos Raonic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jannik Sinner lost a set to Gael Monfils, but it always felt like he had it under control. It’s exciting to even see him take on Milos Raonic, as with the Canadian basically on the verge of retirement the last few years it was quite likely this matchup was never going to see the light of day. The 33-year-old proved in the second round that if he’s healthy he can still be a factor on the tour. But it’s just hard to go against Sinner right now, even with the lottery aspect that Raonic’s serve can bring to any match.
Predictions: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
