We are winding down towards the last weekend at ATP Miami, as the draw has opened up for some lower-ranked players to make some noise. One of Tommy Paul, Arthur Fils, Jiri Lehecka, or Martin Landaluce will play for a title this Sunday, but first, they have to get past each other. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches. But who will advance?

ATP Miami Quarterfinal Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Martin Landaluce

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Jiri Lehecka quietly goes about his business and is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated players on tour. The 24-year-old Czech reached a career-high No. 16 last September. He currently sits at No. 19, and if he can claim the Miami title, he will rise near the top ten. Outside of a first-round loss at Indian Wells, Lehecka has reached the quarterfinals in his last three events. On paper, he looks like the clear favorite. But 20-year-old Spanish phenom Martin Landaluce is making waves this week.

After defeating the No. 22 and No. 3 qualifying seeds to reach the main draw, Landaluce took down Marcos Giron, followed by three consecutive seeds (Darderi, Khachanov, Korda). The 2022 US Open Junior Champion is comfortable off both wings and has a budding serve that gives opponents problems. He has already progressed nearly 50 spots in the live rankings up to No. 105 in the world and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the future. However, I foresee the young Spaniard running out of gas against a player hungry for a big title.

Prediction: Lehecka in 2

Tommy Paul vs Arthur Fils

Head-to-Head: Paul 1-0 Fils

What a fun matchup on our hands between two athletically gifted movers and quality ball strikers. After injury cost Tommy Paul most of the fall season, he is looking to make up for lost time and regain ranking points close to home. The 28-year-old American has cruised to the quarterfinals without facing an opponent ranked higher than he is. After dropping just six total games in his first two victories, Arthur Fils was pushed to the brink by Vacherot in the Round of 16. His newfound success from the service line proved to be the difference. In what should be a very physical match, whoever finds more free points on their serve should emerge victorious. I like the American.

Prediction: Paul in 3

Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster – Imagn Images