The National Bank Open has produced loads of surprises at ATP Montreal, with a number of seeded gamers already eradicated and an enchanting group of contenders remaining within the draw. The ultimate set of Spherical of 16 matches will play on Sunday and includes a combination of established gamers, rising stars, and sudden quarterfinal hopefuls as they proceed their preparations for the US Open.
As at all times, we right here at LWOT will likely be providing our predictions for each match on the schedule. However who will advance?
ATP Montreal Day 8 Predictions
Tallon Griekspoor vs Daniel Merida Aguilar
Head-to-Head: First assembly
Griekspoor arrives with real momentum after one of many greatest upsets of the event, toppling high seed Alexander Zverev earlier than following it up with a composed three-set win over Matteo Arnaldi. The Dutchman has at all times possessed the weapons to hassle elite gamers on arduous courts—flat, penetrating groundstrokes and a strong first serve—and this week these instruments have clicked on the proper time.
Merida, in the meantime, continues a powerful breakthrough run. The younger Spaniard has already crushed Ugo Humbert and Alex Michelsen, producing his finest Masters 1000 consequence up to now and nearly locking a Prime 50 rating. His motion, consistency from the baseline, and rising confidence on arduous courts make him a harmful opponent who won’t present free factors.
Griekspoor’s expertise in huge matches and talent to dictate with tempo ought to give him the sting, however Merida’s present kind means this won’t be simple. Anticipate the Spaniard to power lengthy rallies and take a look at the Dutchman’s endurance earlier than Griekspoor’s heavier ball ultimately tells.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Learner Tien vs Thiago Agustin Tirante
Head-to-Head: First assembly
Tien has seemed sharp and composed at ATP Montreal, navigating a tough second-round win over Gaël Monfils after which dismissing Tommy Paul in straight units. The younger American left-hander blends clear ball-striking with wonderful courtroom protection and an bettering serve, attributes that journey notably properly on arduous courts.
Tirante has been the story of the decrease half after beautiful Taylor Fritz after which disposing of Alexei Popyrin. The Argentine’s heavy serve and aggressive baseline sport have carried him additional than anticipated, and his confidence is clearly excessive.
This shapes up as a basic conflict of types and expertise ranges. Tien’s selection and talent to alter path ought to permit him to disrupt Tirante’s rhythm, whereas the Argentine will look to land the primary strike and preserve factors quick. Tien’s larger rating and steadier current physique of labor make him the slight favorite, although Tirante’s serving can preserve any match tight.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-Head: First assembly
Van de Zandschulp has produced two of the extra notable outcomes of the week at ATP Montreal, first upsetting Daniil Medvedev after which recovering from a set all the way down to get rid of Hubert Hurkacz. The Dutchman’s flat hitting and willingness to take the ball early have been efficient on these courts, and he enters the Spherical of 16 with real perception.
Mensik, the upper seed, has superior extra quietly however effectively, most just lately beating Terence Atmane. The younger Czech already possesses an enormous serve and highly effective forehand that may overwhelm opponents when he finds rhythm, and his athletic body permits him to cowl the courtroom properly.
Van de Zandschul exudes the arrogance of a participant on a run, but Mensik’s cleaner weapons and better ceiling on a quick arduous courtroom ought to show decisive over the longer haul. If the Czech can neutralise the Dutchman’s early aggression and impose his personal tempo, he ought to progress.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
Joao Fonseca vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-Head: Shelton1-0 Fonseca
Fonseca continues his fast ascent with one other high-quality win, this time over Casper Ruud in straight units, his second victory towards the Norwegian this season. The Brazilian teenager’s fearless ball-striking, improved serve, and aggressive maturity have been on full show at ATP Montreal.
Shelton, the defending champion and highest seed remaining, seemed each bit the title contender in a dominant win over Zizou Bergs. The American’s lefty serve, explosive athleticism, and luxury in these circumstances stay formidable belongings, and he already holds a previous victory over Fonseca from Munich earlier this yr.
Fonseca will arrive with nothing to lose and the arrogance of current huge wins. Nonetheless, Shelton’s superior expertise at this degree, confirmed hard-court pedigree, and talent to lift his depth in decisive moments ought to carry him via. Anticipate the Brazilian to push arduous early earlier than the American’s energy and serving edge take management.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Primary Photograph Credit score: Aaron Doster – Imagn Photographs
