The remaining two quarterfinals are set at the ATP National Bank Open in Toronto, creating a great lineup of matches. This article features the #2 seed, Taylor Fritz, taking on the #6 seed, Andrey Rublev, and the #4 seed, Ben Shelton, playing the #9 seed, Alex de Minaur. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Toronto Quarterfinal Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Ben Shelton made a late comeback in the third set to defeat Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round and make his second Masters quarterfinal of the season. Cobolli served for the match in the third set, but Shelton upped his level and played a fantastic tiebreak. However, the American made a lot of errors in the match, and if he can find the same level of focus that he had in the last few games and the tiebreak, he can win matches more easily.
Alex de Minaur is also in his second Masters quarterfinal of the season, as he played a great third set to beat Frances Tiafoe. His speed and defense helped him win a lot of points, and he will want to do the same against Shelton, who has a stronger serve and a more potent forehand. De Minaur’s court coverage will force Shelton to go for more and can spray errors while doing that. I am backing the Australian in this one.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-Head: Fritz 5-4 Rublev
Andrey Rublev is into his first Masters quarterfinal of the season as he got past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who looked hampered and had to retire in the third set. It was a very competitive match with no break of serves in the first two sets. Rublev played some great tennis under pressure in the second set, which must give him a lot of confidence going forward.
Taylor Fritz completes the set of reaching the quarterfinals of all the Masters tournaments as he held his nerve in a high-quality match against Jiri Lehecka. There was no break in the match as both players served amazingly and were clutch in saving break points. The #2 seed will cherish the day off and be prepared for his 10th meeting against Rublev. Fritz has a significant lead on hard courts in this encounter, and I expect him to win again.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
