Eight players remain in contention for the title at the first clay-court ATP 1000 of the season in Monte Carlo. Carlos Alcaraz remains the main favorite in the bottom half, while three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas (2021-22, 2024) will have his work cut out for him in the top half. Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Monte Carlo Quarterfinal Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-head: Firstmeeting
The 2022 runner-up is on fire at this venue again and this has been a very strong season for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina overall. A finalist at two events in February (Delray Beach, Acapulco), he’s also starting the clay swing on a high note. Considering Casper Ruud’s defeat, the draw has also opened for the Spaniard. It’s a good run for Alexei Popyrin and he’s perfectly fine on the clay with his topspin forehand and more time to protect the backhand. But Davidovich Fokina is just more special on this surface.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Lorenzo Musetti vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 5-0
The head-to-head lead for Stefanos Tsitsipas feels a bit excessive, especially considering Lorenzo Musetti once led him 2-0 at Roland Garros (three of their five matches went to a deciding set). But if there’s a venue where you’d trust the Greek to keep it up, it’s gotta be Monte Carlo. He’s won three of the last four editions and always looks like an all-court machine at this tournament. So while Musetti is dangerous and should beat Tsitsipas soon if they keep running into each other, it’s just tough to go against the Monte Carlo record of the No. 6 seed.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-head: de Minaur 3-2
Neither of their five meetings thus far had taken place on clay and typically conditions like in Monte Carlo don’t tend to suit them. Alex de Minaur was able to put away Daniil Medvedev with relative ease on Thursday, while Grigor Dimitrov had to fend off an inspired performance from Alejandro Tabilo. The Australian is a good example that a defensive game doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a clay specialist, but over the years he’s put a lot of effort into adjusting his game to this surface as well. He could grind Dimitrov down.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s always exciting to get a matchup between two youngsters we haven’t seen clashing before. Arthur Fils making it to three consecutive ATP 1000 quarterfinals is a big deal, because that sort of consistency was something he was missing as a player until this year. But taking the next step won’t come easy considering the opponent he’s facing here. Carlos Alcaraz desperately needs a strong event right now and while he’s still fine-tuning his game, it looks achievable for him this week.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
