The quarterfinals are set at the ATP 250 tournament in Athens, and it’s a wonderful lineup with plenty of big names and firepower still in the draw. This article features top seed Novak Djokovic, who will face a stern test against Nuno Borges. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the semifinals?
ATP Athens Quarterfinal Predictions
Yannick Hanfmann vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-Head: Hanfmann 0-1 Giron
Yannick Hanfmann survived a tough match against Vit Kopriva to advance to his first Tour-level quarterfinal since July. He needed a week like this to get some confidence back in his game, and now he has a good chance to make the semifinals. Marcos Giron saved a set point in the first set against compatriot Brandon Nakashima to win his second match in straight sets this week. Giron will arrive in this match as the fresher player, which gives him a slight advantage.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Sebastian Korda vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-Head: Korda 2-1 Kecmanovic
Sebastian Korda came back from a set down for the second match in a row to advance to the quarterfinals. He started winning more points behind his serve from the second set onwards and didn’t get broken. He will look to make a better start against Miomir Kecmanovic, who also came back from a set deficit to beat Luciano Darderi. Kecmanovic has lost both matches against Korda this season and will be looking for revenge. Based on his performance in the second and third sets against Darderi, I believe Kecmanovic has the upper hand.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Lorenzo Musetti vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-Head: Musetti 1-2 Muller
Lorenzo Musetti survived an inspired Stan Wawrinka to keep his hopes alive of reaching the ATP Finals in Turin. It was a very close match, and the Italian did well to turn the momentum on his side. Alexandre Muller made a great comeback as well against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, saving five break points in the second set and forcing a decider, where he played at a very high level. Muller’s serving was incredible in the third set, and if he keeps that level, he will trouble Musetti. However, there is more at stake for Musetti in this match, and he should find a way to win.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Novak Djokovic played a clutch first-set tiebreak and an even better second set to defeat Alejandro Tabilo for the first time in his career. It was a vintage returning performance from the top seed as he kept putting pressure on the Chilean’s serve. Nuno Borges is a solid player and will test Djokovic, but he doesn’t have enough weapons to trouble the Serbian superstar and make him uncomfortable.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports