Just eight men are still in contention at Wimbledon as we head into the quarterfinals. Day nine of the Championships features two intriguing quarterfinal-clashes and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both, as well as all the quarterfinal action in the women’s draw. But who will book their spot in the last four at the All England Club?
Wimbledon Quarterfinal Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Jim: Jannik Sinner has had to play well to reach the last eight, but arguably has not had to hit top gear. That will likely change when he takes on Daniil Medvedev. The Russian’s record at Wimbledon could be better, but his big serve and flat backhand allied with excellent court-coverage make him a dangerous opponent. But Sinner is hitting the ball with real authority and, at his best, wins this match nine times out of ten.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Liam: What was once such a one-sided rivalry in the Russian’s favour has now slipped right into Jannik Sinner’s hands. Sinner is much more versatile and a threat to anyone on all three surfaces, whereas Medvedev’s elite powers seem restricted to a hard court. How Medvedev approaches this will be fascinating, particularly the return position.
Should he decide to camp at the back of the court and try to grind and out-rally Sinner then it could be a long day for him. Instead, he needs to bring aggression and make Sinner uncomfortable by coming to the net, hitting drop shots and changing the height and the pace of the ball. Essentially, stop the Italian’s rhythm. If it’s anything like the Australian Open clash this year we will be in for a treat, but I reckon it won’t be nearly as tight.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Ateet: Sinner has been on great form during this year’s grass court season – won Halle and looked rather convincing in his first 4 matches so far, apart from some third set blips in three of his matches. He has won five matches in a row against Medvedev and will look to make it six. Daniil Medvedev got a bit lucky against Dimitrov as it could have been a long match.
It means he will come fresh enough against Sinner and has played tough matches against Jan-Lennard Struff and Alexandre Muller, so he won’t be undercooked either. Medvedev will make this tough and would be inspired to win against Sinner, but Sinner has an advantage not only in the serve-return combo but also in neutral rallies as he moves on grass way better than Medvedev.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Jordan: The previous 11 meetings between these two were on hard courts. Although playing on grass does change the dynamic somewhat, Sinner winning his last five matches against Medvedev still counts for a lot. After losing their first six meetings, Sinner has found the right balance between attack and defense since then. That is unlikely to change on grass, where Sinner is more likely to have a slightly easier time hitting through Medvedev.
Prediction: Sinner in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul
Jim: Tommy Paul’s chances shouldn’t be discounted here. Frances Tiafoe took Carlos Alcaraz – who hasn’t looked quite himself so far – the distance in the fourth round and Paul is playing better tennis than his countryman at the moment. But players like Alcaraz usually find their best tennis in the final rounds at the Majors – or find a way to win even when not at their best. Paul might just have enough to take this, but Alcaraz battling through to the last four seems the likelier outcome.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Liam: Alcaraz will be looking to rediscover the form that brought him his first Wimbledon last season. In matches against Frances Tiafoe and Ugo Humbert he hasn’t been his usual dominant self and he also unexpectedly lost early at Queens to Jack Draper. Paul is in the form of his life having lifted the Queen’s title. After two shaky opening rounds, he has beat Bublik and Bautista-Agut in straight sets. Paul is a reliable man on grass who won’t make it easy for the Spaniard but the world #3’s quality and reliability will show through in the end.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ateet: This is a juicy match-up, one of the few ones Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t control yet and not having the upper hand in it. Tommy Paul has so much variety that he can rattle Alcaraz, but Alcaraz is well-tested in his last two matches and will be ready for whatever Paul will throw at him. Alcaraz’s serve will be tested to the extreme as Paul will look to be ultra-aggressive on returns. Alcaraz has more experience in playing the later rounds, but Paul won’t be overwhelmed by the occasion. It will be a fantastic contest, and I have a feeling Paul will pull off the upset.
Prediction: Paul in 5
Jordan: Paul has beaten Alcaraz twice in the past. In their previous meetings, the American frustrated the three-time Grand Slam champion by repeatedly hitting cross-court and not allowing Alcaraz to open up the court. The Spaniard will be tested in many long rallies, but I trust him to get over the line. On grass, he is better able to use his variety to disrupt Paul, which will be very helpful in this matchup.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
