The quarterfinals are set at the ATP BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, and despite some early upsets the lineup is powerful and exciting. Two-time defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz looks set for a threepeat while #5 seed Daniil Medvedev looks close to his best. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all four matches. But which players will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Indian Wells Quarterfinal Predictions
Holger Rune vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-Head: Rune 0-2 Griekspoor
Holger Rune played one of his best matches in recent times to put an end to Tsitsipas’ hot streak. It was a clean match from Rune and he is into his first quarterfinal of the season. Rune has managed to go further than his previous result every year in Indian Wells and will look to make the semifinals by beating Tallon Griekspoor for the first time. Griekspoor is playing great tennis and won their most recent match in the Madrid masters last year. However, Rune looks in way better form in this tournament and seems to enjoy the conditions. If the Danish player can keep a good level consistently, he will have the edge.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Ben Shelton vs Jack Draper
Head-to-Head: first meeting
This should be a banger of a match as two of the highest-ranked left-handed players face each other for the first time. This matchup couldn’t have come at a better stage as both players will be looking to make their first Masters semifinals. Ben Shelton defeated compatriot, Brandon Nakashima in the previous round while Jack Draper took out #3 seed, Taylor Fritz. It was a huge win for Draper and his season keeps getting better. Both players have adapted brilliantly to the conditions and come into this match without dropping a set. Shelton will have the advantage on his forehand wing while Draper’s backhand is more solid. This should be a close match with small margins deciding the outcome.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-Head: Medvedev 1-0 Fils
Daniil Medvedev got the best win of his season as he defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets. The two-time Indian Wells finalist seems to have found his desired level this week and can reach another final if he keeps playing great. Arthur Fils likes big challenges and usually shows up and brings his best level. He will have to do that to challenge Medvedev on these slow courts. Fils has the power, but whether he can consistently hit big and put pressure will decide the outcome of this match. I expect Medvedev to not give any free point to the Frenchman and suffocate him with consistency.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 1-0 Cerundolo
Francisco Cerundolo is quietly having a good season and is into his fourth consecutive quarterfinals and first on hard courts this year. The Argentine upset Alex de Minaur in the fourth round in what was a scrappy match from both players. Cerundolo hit 39 unforced errors in two sets and must improve to have any chance against Carlos Alcaraz, who seems unplayable in Indian Wells and looks set to win it again. Cerundolo likes the slow and high-bouncing conditions, but so does the Spaniard.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
