The second day of ATP quarterfinal action in Cincinnati brings two intriguing matchups that feel like they could go the distance. One is a battle between two explosive shot-makers who know each other’s games well. The other is a rematch of a rivalry that’s already produced some memorable encounters this season. With both matches featuring players in varying shades of form and confidence, the margins could be razor-thin. Who do you back to book their place in the final four?
ATP Cincinnati Quarterfinal Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-Head: Zverev 3–0 Shelton
Ben Shelton’s run has been powered by booming serves, quick-strike forehands, and the boost of a home crowd that has been firmly behind him. He’s been unafraid to go after his shots, even when matches have tightened up, which has kept opponents under constant strain.
Alexander Zverev, meanwhile, has cruised through his matches with a combination of precise serving and controlled aggression from the baseline. He’s been winning the majority of the longer rallies this week, a sign of his confidence and fitness. The two have already faced each other twice this season, both times producing long, physical battles with little to separate them. With the stakes higher and both playing well, another tense, momentum-shifting contest feels almost inevitable. Their sole hard court meeting came here at this stage last year, with Zverev narrowly winning in three sets. Given how much time the American has spent on court over last last four weeks, I fully expect the World no. 3 to have too much for him.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 3–2 Rublev
Carlos Alcaraz has looked sharp this week, building on the consistency he showed throughout the grass season. His early wins here have been efficient, showing patience in baseline rallies and mixing in his trademark variety. Andrey Rublev, by contrast, came into the tournament after a stretch of mixed results, but his ball-striking in Cincinnati has been much cleaner. He’s been stepping into the court more, taking time away from opponents and serving well enough to protect his lead when ahead in sets. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 3–2, with their latest meetings being decided by narrow margins, so this one could come down to who manages the big points better under pressure and I fully expect the Spaniard to do so.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
