The quarterfinal matches at the ATP 250 in Kitzbuhel are all set. Top seed Alexander Bublik is hunting a clay-court double this month after lifting his maiden ATP Tour title on the surface in Gstaad last week. He faces Alexander Shevchenko in an all-Kazakh clash for the second time in as many weeks. Who will advance?
ATP Kitzbuhel Quarterfinal Predictions
Arthur Rinderknech vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: Rinderknech 2-1 Hanfmann
Rinderknech’s comeback win against Gombos ensures he will contest a quarterfinal match in Kitzbuhel for a third time. The Frenchman was a semifnlaist when he last competed at this event two years ago, beating Hanfmann to make it that far. They will now square off on a clay court for the third time, with the head-to-head on the dirt finely poised at 1-1. It will be the German who starts as a favorite, and he has an even better track record in Kitzbuhel. Comfort in longer rallies means that Hanfmann is likely to get his revenge.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 3
Arthur Cazaux vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-head: first meeting
For the past six years, Kitzbuhel was not a regular pit stop for Jan-Lennard Struff. After recording seven wins in the first six-and-a-half months of the season before this week and leaving the Top 100, Struff needed to salvage his season. And the 35-year-old has played himself into form with two wins in qualifying and a couple more in the main draw to reach his first quarterfinal since February without losing a set. Cazaux is also coming off a mixed first half of the season, largely because of injury, but has hit his stride since Wimbledon. The Frenchman is an athletic shotmaker and plays with a lot of energy. It might be the first time this week that Struff wobbles.
Prediction: Struff in 3
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: first meeting
Van de Zandschulp’s game has felt a bit muted on clay this season. It’s the first time this season he’s won two clay-court matches in the same week (at Tour-level). And with the court rewarding quick feet and heavy topspin, Seyboth Wild will be a threat. The Brazilian took care of the talented German teenager Justin Engel in his opening match and overpowered Bautista Agut in the last round. He is yet to drop a set.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 2
Alexander Bublik vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: Bublik 3-0 Shevchenko
It is now five wins in a row for Alexander Bublik. The mercurial Kazakh built on his surprise title win in Gstaad by outplaying Agustin Tirante in his opening match in Kitzbuhel. It is undoubtedly his best run of form on clay. Bublik’s only defeat in his last 10 matches on the dirt was to Jannik Sinner at the French Open. But the top seed is not immune to constant hiccups, which he experienced at Wimbledon. Shevchenko doesn’t have the same flair as his countryman, but plays with discipline and sufficient weight off the ground to take advantage of any lapses. He’s also elevated his level since losing to Bublik in Gstaad. This matchup has upset potential, especially if Bublik’s focus dips.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
