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With the pre-quarterfinals out of the way now, the Japan Open throws open an exciting set of matches in the quarter finals. Here is a brief preview of what to expect.
Quarter Final 1: Jan Lennard Struff vs Denis Shapovalov:
In this mouth-watering contest between two of the biggest servers of the game, Shapovalov should ordinarily be considered the favourite against the inconsistent Struff. But Struff finally seems to be showing some consistency and his win over the top seed Marin Cilic must have given him the much required self-belief.
On his day, he can win against anybody. But then Shapovalov is the more versatile player, and is coming off an impressive win himself over the fit again Stan Wawrinka. Expect this to be a close contest.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3 closely fought sets
Quarter Final 2: Daniil Medvedev vs Milos Raonic
A couple of years ago, this would have seemed to be a no contest. Raonic was firmly ensconced as a top 5 player and was challenging the big four for grand slam glory, and Medvedev was still finding his way to the top 100 of ATP rankings.
Since then, injury has ravaged Raonic’s career and Medvedev has broken into the top 50. Medvedev will give a tough challenge to Raonic. But the Russian has played two extra matches as he came from the qualifying round. That will go against him as Raonic has won in straight sets in both his matches and is well rested.
Prediction: Raonic in 2 Sets
Quarter Final 3: Kei Nishikori vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
After the high of Cincinnati Masters, Tsitsipas has had a dip in form. He has lost to much lower ranked players like Richard Berankis and Pierre-Hugues Herbert since then. But he seems to have rediscovered his mojo in Tokyo, his win over fellow next gen star Alex de Minaur must have made him feel good about his game again.
But unfortunately for him, he is running into the fit again home favourite Kei Nishikori. Kei, whose last title was way back in February at a Challenger level tournament in Dallas, seems determined to win an ATP tour title again. What better place to do it than in his home tournament!
Prediction: Nishikori in 2 Sets
Quarter Final 4: Richard Gasquet vs Kevin Anderson
When in full flow, there is probably no better sight on a tennis court than a Gasquet backhand. It may not have the brute force of Wawrinka or the zing of a Federer backhand, but it’s almost poetry in motion.
Unfortunately for him, he does not have much else in the arsenal to compete and win against the very best on a consistent basis. To make matters worse, he is facing one of the most improved players of the last two years – the wonderful Kevin Anderson. Gasquet’s win over another big server Kyrgios may give him some hope, but unlike Nick, this big server is not someone prone to mental lapses.
Prediction: Anderson in 2 Sets
