Miami Masters - Quarterfinal (Day 1) Predictions

Sinner and Medvedev both take to Stadium Court on Day 1 of quarterfinal action in Miami.

Sinner vs Machac

Not many would have expected Tomas Machac to be one of the eight last men standing at this prestigious event held at Key Biscayne. The Czech is a real surprise candidate at the second event of this year's Sunshine Double, and has taken his side of the draw by storm. With an upset not many saw coming against the hard-hitting, ball-bludgeoning rockstar Andrey Rublev (who, to be honest, just hasn't looked the same after his default in Dubai) he almost saw an enormous lead evaporate against veteran Murray in the next round. However, he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, winning the last 3 points from 5-4 down against the wounded Murray with a couple of glorious down-the-line backhands and a sumptuous volley to finish on match point. Against Arnaldi, he conjured up a pretty routine victory, sailing to the finish line by dropping only 3 games per set. It was yet another display - especially the straightforward manner of it - that took a lot of people by surprise.

Unfortunately, although the 23-year-old seems to be a real diamond in the rough, his run will probably end here against Jannik Sinner. Although the Italian is a year younger than his opponent, he is already much more seasoned, fighting for and capturing the world's biggest trophies, most notably the Australian Open two months ago. The World No. 3 has already created a sort of aura of invincibility surrounding him, and only a select few - like Alcaraz last week in Indian Wells - have any hope of halting this hurtling freight train of ferocious form. Looking to solidify his presence among the greats and extend his near-perfect record stretching back to the US Open last year, I think that Sinner will be a step too far for Machac.

Prediction: Sinner in 2

Medvedev vs Jarry

Daniil Medvedev has shown his usual consistency and class in breezing through to the quarterfinals. The 6'6" counterpuncher has been quite ruthless in 2024, and is quickly becoming a staple name you expect to see in the latter stages of pretty much any event. The self-proclaimed "hard-court specialist" is vying to defend his title - a feat which he's actually never achieved yet - in Miami. However, the opponent on the other side of the net is not to be taken lightly.

Equally as tall and perhaps sporting a more extensive arsenal of firepower and weaponry, Nicolas Jarry seeks to go one better at a Masters event following his quarterfinal at Shanghai last year. The Chilean crowd has been extremely rowdy so far, and will do their best to propel their hero to a victory. Medvedev comes in as the clear favourite, but make no mistake - when he's on song, Jarry has the ability to take the racket out of anyone's hands. His massive serve and destructive power off both wings will definitely challenge the defending champion; however, I do think that Medvedev's masterful defence and court-coverage will be unable to be pierced. The boisterous Chilean crowd may just spice things up a bit - we have seen Medvedev get rattled by these things in the past. On the other hand, it might just add some fuel to the fire, unleashing Daniil's inner villain: a role that he manages to play so perfectly. And if that happens, well, it bodes bad news for Jarry, whose lack of consistency and net-play may prove costly.

Prediction: Medvedev in 2