Time: 2024-07-20
There are four exciting ATP Bastad quarterfinal matchups scheduled . This includes 14 - time French Open champion Rafael Nadal 's first meeting against the rapidly improving Mariano Navone . As always , we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for all the matches . But which four players do you think will reach the semifinals in Sweden?
Duje Ajdukovic vs Thiago Monteiro
Head - to - head : First meeting
Ajdukovic has won four matches in a row in Bastad after coming through qualifying . Monteiro did not need to play in the qualifying , but he swept aside the two - time French Open runner - up Casper Ruud in straight sets in the last round . The Brazilians forehand was superb in that match , and he will be tough to stop if he is in that form again . Ajdukovic could be in for a difficult day against an in - form Monteiro.
Prediction : Monteiro in 2
Thiago Tirante vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head - to - head : First meeting
Like Monteiro , Tirante pulled off a big upset by overcoming the No . 1 seed in Bastad Andrey Rublev . Carballes Baenas style is very different to Rublevs , and there will undoubtedly me many grueling rallies in this matchup . The Spaniard played two long matches to reach this point . A slight drop in intensity from him could be the difference if this match stretches into a third set.
Prediction : Tirante in 3
Nuno Borges vs Timofey Skatov
Head - to - head : Borges 1 - 1 Skatov
Skatov is yet another player who managed an upset to reach the quarterfinal . The Kazakhstani knocked out the third seed , Tallon Griekspoor , despite losing the opening set . But I think Borges will overcome him to get to the semifinal . Skatov can be very inconsistent , and he benefited from Griekspoor making several unforced errors . Borges level is typically consistent on clay and he is likely to be solid enough to navigate this challenge.
Prediction : Borges in 2
Rafael Nadal vs Mariano Navone
Head - to - head : First meeting
Nadals victory against Cameron Norrie was a good demonstration of his improving level . He is still not playing well enough to challenge at the upcoming Olympics , but the Spaniard still could if his form keeps getting better . Navone possesses more firepower than Norrie and he will provide a different test to the 22 - time Grand Slam champion . However , Nadals previous performance has convinced me that he can meet the challenge , although Navone could be the first player to take a set from Nadal in the singles in Bastad.
Prediction : Nadal in 3
Main Photo Credit : Mike Frey - USA TODAY Sports
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