The ATP ABN Amro Open in Rotterdam is entering its deciding stages. Carlos Alcaraz is looking to win his first indoor title this week and has managed to improve his level from the opening round in his debut appearance at the event. But will it be enough to keep going? On Friday, he takes on Pedro Martinez in an all-Spanish encounter. Who do you think will prevail?

ATP Rotterdam Quarterfinal Predictions

Daniel Altmaier vs Alex de Minaur

Head-to-head: First meeting

Daniel Altmaier surely couldn’t have expected to still be at the event by now when he lost to Constant Lestienne in the final qualifying round. But he took his lucky loser opportunity perfectly and the slow conditions in Rotterdam really help him lure other players into patterns that he’s comfortable with. But Aleksandar Kovacevic and Arthur Fils were a lot more erratic than Alex de Minaur will be. It might be a bit of a slog with the Australian not being able to hit through the court that easily. But it seems like it’s the end of the road for Altmaier.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2

Hubert Hurkacz vs Andrey Rublev

Head-to-head: 3-2

It’s tough to say where Hubert Hurkacz’s level is at the moment, his first two matches ended up being less challenging than expected with Jiri Lehecka’s retirement. But the Pole should be improving with his knee injury now long behind him and the influence of Nicolas Massu might start paying dividends at some point too. It’s not like Andrey Rublev isn’t a Top 10 player anymore, but you can tell his game hasn’t been at his best for a while. Especially as he’s struggling mentally, he might have some issues in a battle of tight margins.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3

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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Mattia Bellucci

Head-to-head: First meeting

Regardless of what you thought about the performance of Daniil Medvedev on Wednesday and where his game is headed at the moment, it was an impressive showing from Mattia Bellucci. It was high time he troubled someone of this caliber and he’s got such a full bag of tricks to keep the opponents on their toes. The Italian also possesses a dangerous lefty serve he’ll use to target the Stefanos Tsitsipas backhand. But on a court this slow and after beating Tallon Griekspoor, you kind of have to expect the Greek to find a way to defend himself.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3

Carlos Alcaraz vs Pedro Martinez

Head-to-head: First meeting

Pedro Martinez is posting some impressive indoor wins the last few days, especially as they’re coming over players who are typically more comfortable in these conditions – Dominic Stricker, Roberto Bautista Agut, Holger Rune. But the difficulty level keeps rising and Carlos Alcaraz might just have a bit too much for him. The World No. 3 didn’t have an amazing start to the event but with some of the other favorites out of the event already, it seems like his chances to pick up a first indoor title are increasing by the minute.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports