The quarterfinal stage has been reached at the ATP 250 event in Metz. There are four exciting matchups scheduled, with former Paris Masters champion Karen Khachanov one of the players in action. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions for all the contests taking place. But which four players do you think will advance to the ATP Metz semifinals?
ATP Metz Quarterfinal Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shevchenko’s level often fluctuates wildly. He showed that during his three-set win against Mate Valkusz in the previous round, which saw the 22-year-old progress despite a very uneven performance. Shevchenko will need a far more consistent performance to triumph against his compatriot and third seed Khachanov. The conditions in Metz are also very slow, which is likely to suit the more solid and consistent Khachanov more. Shevchenko has an ultra-aggressive style and will need to execute it to perfection on a slow court. His chances of doing so seem slim.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Luca Van Assche vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players had some luck to reach this stage. Van Assche was two match points down against Stan Wawrinka but the Swiss suddenly pulled up with an injury and the 19-year-old progressed by retirement. Herbert was set to play against the world #12 Alex de Minaur but the Australian withdrew and the 32-year-old subsequently defeated lucky loser Gijs Brouwer in straight sets. It has been a rough 18 months for Herbert and his two wins in Metz were his first on the ATP Tour in over a year. However, he still gets the edge in this one. Van Assche has struggled in recent months and did not look convincing against Wawrinka. This week could be the run Herbert needs to find his old form in 2024.
Prediction: Herbert in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Harold Mayot
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be a dangerous match for the fourth seed Humbert. Mayot has now won four matches as a qualifier to reach this stage and does not have much to lose in the quarterfinal. Nonetheless, expect Humbert to still get the job done. The French #1’s round-of-16 clash with Dominic Thiem was a superb match and Humbert had to be near his best to progress. Although conditions are slow in Metz, Humbert’s powerful serving and hitting from the baseline is still very likely to overwhelm his younger compatriot.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Fabio Fognini vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fognini’s round-of-16 victory against Alexander Bublik was an extraordinary battle. There were countless twists and turns in a three-hour battle, before the Italian veteran came through in a final-set tiebreak after saving match points. It is a very welcome end of season run for Fognini, who has endured a very difficult season overall. It may be difficult for him to continue his run against Sonego. Fognini is playing just over 24 hours after his long match and it could be difficult to recover in time. Sonego also puts a lot of balls back in play and will make Fognini move a lot in the slow conditions in Metz. All the indicators point to a Sonego win.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
More must-reads: