The quarterfinals are set at the ATP Barcelona Open, and we have a wonderful lineup of matches. Four of the top five seeds have made the last eight, including the defending champion, Casper Ruud, and world No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all the matches. But who will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Barcelona Quarterfinal Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-Head: Khachanov 1-2 Davidovich Fokina
The head-to-head dynamic between these two is surprising to say the least. Karen Khachanov is a better hard-court player in general, but he has lost both meetings on that surface to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard, who favors clay, lost the match when these two played on clay. However, I believe this match will not go according to this trend, and Davidovich Fokina will get the victory. He has looked great so far and is playing some of his best tennis this season.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-Head: Tsitsipas 0-2 Fils
Stefanos Tsitsipas took revenge on Sebastian Korda and defeated the American player in straight sets. His next target would be to get his first win against Arthur Fils, who has been in great form recently and would be a tough challenge for the Greek. Tsitsipas is a four-time finalist here and has lots of experience, which gives him a slight edge. However, Fils is a bold player and will look to hurt Tsitsipas on the backhand wing. Serve would be key for both, and whoever makes more first serves will be the favourite to come through.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Casper Ruud vs Holger Rune
Head-to-Head: Ruud 6-1 Rune
Casper Ruud is into his first quarterfinal in over two months, and he was made to struggle by Hamad Medjedovic, who had the upper hand in both sets in their match. Ruud did a fantastic job of persevering and eventually exhausted the Serbian player. Holger Rune got a nice comeback win against clay specialist Sebastian Baez in the second round. Rune has a terrible record against Ruud, and the Norwegian player will have the mental edge going into this match. However, Ruud is not playing his best tennis and faces the prospect of slipping down the rankings if he loses this match. This is a great opportunity for Rune to get his second win over Ruud.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 3-0 De Minaur
Carlos Alcaraz extended his win streak to seven with another straight-sets victory in the second round. He will face his biggest challenge so far in the quarterfinals against Alex de Minaur, who has troubled the Spaniard in the past. However, Alcaraz will always have the upper hand, especially on clay, where he has more options than the Australian player. I suspect two tight sets with some great rallies, but the two-time Barcelona Open champion should come out on top.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
