France against Norway is one of the Sydney United Cup quarterfinals. The latter team, led by Casper Ruud, is one of the main surprises of the event so far–topping the group thanks to a superior percentage of games won, while France dominated a tough set of opponents in Germany and Italy. Who do you think will make the final four?
United Cup Quarterfinal Predictions
Adrian Mannarino vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: Mannarino in 2
Casper Ruud is the main star of the Norway team and it’s mostly his results so far that have allowed the team to stay afloat with two straight-set wins in singles and some solid mixed doubles performances with Ulrike Eikkeri as well. Meanwhile, Adrian Mannarino has also done his deed for team France despite losing to Alexander Zverev in three sets.
The Frenchman owns the sole head-to-head win over Casper Ruud, taking him out in Paris four years ago. He’s also coming off the best season of his career despite being 35 years old. Courts like at the United Cup give him a solid chance against the Norwegian, negating the heavy topspin forehand and allowing Mannarino to have some fun with his flat-hitting and quirky angles. The pressure will likely be on the 3-time Grand Slam runner-up too as Garcia is likely to beat Helgo.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Caroline Garcia vs Malene Helgo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Malene Helgo is one of the lowest-ranked players in the entire event at World No. 544, but the Norwegian actually contributed to her team surviving groups by keeping her matches close and even taking a set off Donna Vekic (which was crucial given it came down to percentage of games won in the end). Caroline Garcia faced some real stern opposition and prevailed over Jasmine Paolini and Angelique Kerber, both in three sets.
What are Helgo’s chances in this one? Garcia’s hyper-aggressive style can lead to some spraying and if she can’t find a good day at the office, maybe an opportunity can open up. But the way more likely outcome is that her pace will overwhelm the 24-year-old, who won’t be used to that sort of offense.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
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