The quarterfinals are set at the ATP 500 in Dubai, and we have quite an intriguing lineup on our hands. It’s a mix of impressive runs, budding young talent, and resurgent veterans. Who will make their way forward in this draw? As always, we share our thoughts on the matches.
ATP Dubai Quarterfinal Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Jenson Brooksby
Brooksby has been nowhere near the same since his troubles a few years ago. He was impressive at times last year, but nowhere near the level he should have been at. Medvedev, meanwhile, is in free-fall, though he has had patches of his old brilliance. This is a weird matchup between two counterpunchers, but I have to go with the Russian for now.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jiri Lehecka
This should be a great battle between two young talents. The Canadian finally looks ready to join the ranks of the elite, while Lehecka looks capable of beating anyone on the right day. I’ll go with Auger-Aliassime simply because he’s more consistent, but this could be an elite matchup on the right day.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Arthur Rinderknech
Rublev looks in fine form, and he has always played well on these courts. The Frenchman has a powerful game, but Rublev can match that and more with his own. I expect the Russian to reach the semifinals.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Jakub Mensik vs Tallon Griekspoor
Mensik still has the inconsistency of youth, which with his talent you would hope he’d have outgrown by now, but when his game is on he can beat absolutely anyone. Griekspoor’s solid baseline play will force Mensik to be on point, but the young Czech has shown that this week he’ll be okay with matching it.
Prediction: Mensik in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images