Championship weekend has arrived at the ATP 250 Tiriac Open, ATP Bucharest, though the action is more rainy than heated. Rain delays have pushed multiple second round matches to Friday, with the weather clearing up for the weekend. Yet, two quarterfinals are on the schedule, featuring the 2024 Tiriac Open finalist Mariano Navone. Who will advance?

ATP Bucharest Quarterfinal Predictions
Damir Dzumhur vs Botic van de Zandschulp

Head-to-head: First meeting

Dzuhmur netted his first Top 50 win in nearly a year, upsetting No. 4 seed Nuno Borges in straight sets. He’ll have a stern test taking on Van de Zandschulp, who hasn’t dropped a set this event and tends to perform at his best on clay. Dzuhmur is a fast mover on court and also enjoys the clay, and he should have time to extend the rallies against a counterpuncher like Van de Zandschulp. However, the Dutch is a bit more experienced, and his form suggests he could go deeper in this tournament.

Prediction: Van de Zandschulp in 3 

Alex Molcan vs Mariano Navone

Head-to-head: First meeting

It’s been a much-needed week for Molcan. He started this week just outside the Top 200, and would return to the Top 150 with a Friday win. Molcan’s crafty lefty game is dangerous on a good day; his style of play resulted in a stunning 6-2 6-2 upset over No. 1 seed Gabriel Diallo on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Navone is far off from his career-high ranking of No. 29 in the world, but he tends to play his best tennis at smaller clay court events. The Argentine only dropped three games in his second round match, and his strong form should allow him to progress to the semifinals. It could be a challenge for Molcan to back-up a big win.

Prediction: Navone in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports