Monte Carlo Masters - Quarterfinal Predictions

Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner lock horns for the second time since their 2 hour, 46 minute thriller here last year in Monte Carlo

Tsitsipas vs Khachanov

Stefanos Tsitsipas is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with here on the clay of Monte Carlo. It was no surprise; after all, the World No. 12 has won his only two Masters 1000 titles here in both 2021 and 2022. But given the dire state of affairs concerning his tennis over the last year or so, there were massive dark clouds circling the prospect of his performance here. It's fair to say now that he has slammed the door on any doubters. Following a near-perfect victory over Tomas Etcheverry, the Greek played a beautiful match against an in-form Zverev. Although there was a heart-stopping blip in the second set, with him leading 5-0 but sliding down a slippery slope of 5 straight lost games, he ultimately clinched the win in the tiebreaker. Admittedly, however, Zverev's level was a bit subpar. But take nothing away from Tsitsipas's performance, which only cements his love for these courts further.

Karen Khachanov ground out a bold win over Daniil Medvedev in the Round of 16. Clinical serving and excellent rally tolerance from the big man ultimately paid dividends. Medvedev's performance on slow, dry clay courts still remains a riddle to be solved. This is where the Russian's run ends though. Stefanos's relationship with and ability on the red dirt is almost unparalleled right now, and Khachanov simply can't do enough on this surface.

Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2

Sinner vs Rune

The last time these two young stars went to war in Monaco, it was a late-night marathon. Holger Rune ran away with victory by the skin of his teeth, winning 7-5 in the third. However, the context of this match is vastly different to their encounter last year. Jannik Sinner's meteoric rise to the zenith of the men's game has taken the tennis world by storm. A run to his maiden Grand Slam in Australia and a 24-1 win-loss record in 2024 have defined his exponential surge. Holger Rune, on the other hand, has sort of lost his way. Although he has had a few notable runs here and there, the consistency and maturity is simply not present. But the Dane is a different animal when it comes to competing against the best of the best on the world's biggest stages. He is definitely not one to back down and is fearless in the face of adversity. This was demonstrated perfectly in his previous round against Dimitrov, where he saved two match points before coming through a 3-hour classic. The second match point was saved especially bravely, with a pacey second serve down the T and a pin-point forehand slammed into the corner.

However, I think I speak for everyone when I say that Holger might not have enough gas left in the tank to win this meeting. His slugfest against Dimitrov was preceded by yet another tough three-setter against Indian qualifier Nagal, after which he had - astoundingly - only 100 minutes to rest before his match against Grigor!

Sinner, meanwhile, continued his fine form, hurtling towards a win against Jan-Lennard Struff with ruthless efficiency. In the end, I think Rune will fizzle out against the Italian as a result of his infamous endurance issues. He may muster up a set with the fight and courage he has, but Sinner's form and energy right now is too good to be ignored.

Prediction: Sinner in 3

Djokovic vs De Minaur

Novak Djokovic was hungry for something to spark his flame, and seems to have found it in revenge. He put up a solid display against the talented Lorenzo Musetti, taking him down in straights 7-5, 6-3. There was a moment in the first set that seemed to poke the proverbial bear; as Djokovic was down a break and 0-40, the crowd booed. Novak then put his fingers up as if to orchestrate them, much like he had done against Sinner in Turin last November. Then something clicked in him: he broke back immediately and won the set. The animosity from the crowd only fuelled the great man, as it always has.

Alex de Minaur played unwavering tennis against fellow countryman Popyrin. He constructed a wall of counterpunching to best Alexei and nullify his bruising arsenal.

It won't be enough against the top seed. Djokovic is finally regaining his level, and the Aussie is too unpolished to deal damage to a player of Djokovic's calibre on this surface.

Prediction: Djokovic in 2

Ruud vs Humbert

Ugo Humbert has adapted extremely well to these challenging Monte Carlo conditions. These dry, ultra-slow courts, paired with the lefty's fast, zippy groundstrokes, are like chalk and cheese. But alas, Ugo has gone against convention here and is enjoying life at the Country Club. He has dropped a couple of sets against Federico Coria and Lorenzo Sonego in his first and third rounds respectively, but has been more than decisive in his others. His tough win against Sonego in the Round of 16 was an example of this.

Unfortunately, the man on the other side of the net is bred for clay through and through. The draw has opened up nicely for Casper Ruud, and he has made light work of it. He swung through another lefty, Alejandro Tabilo, in style, and dismissed last week's Estoril champion Hurkacz with similar ease. His newfound intent, power and aggression on his forehand have seen him transform the shot from loopy and defensive to an exhibition of controlled power. he has definitely reaped the benefits of this so far in 2024.

The Norwegian's better suitability to this surface will see him come out on top.

Prediction: Ruud in 2