Surprise controversy follows fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti into the Beijing quarterfinals, as he takes on American Learner Tien. Daniil Medvedev will also be in action against Alexander Zverev on Monday.
(2) Alexander Zverev vs. (8) Daniil Medvedev
Germany’s Alexander Zverev is no stranger to his quarterfinal opponent. Monday night’s match marks their 21st meeting, a head-to-head that is not favorable for the No. 2 seed. Medvedev holds a 13-7 edge over Zverev, with wins in their last four meetings–including this year in Halle. This isn’t the same Medvedev that posted most of those victories, however. The Russian’s ranking has plummeted to No. 18 in the world. Shockingly, he won just a single Grand Slam match in 2025–a surprisingly hard-fought victory in Melbourne over Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej. He is, in short, unusually vulnerable right now.
Zverev has come up short at the majors, as well, but his form otherwise has been consistent. Medvedev’s familiarity with Zverev’s game should allow the eighth seed to stay within striking distance, but his form is simply too shaky to warrant picking him over Zverev.
Cheryl pick: Zverev in 3
Ricky pick: Zverev in 3
(4) Lorenzo Musetti vs. Learner Tien
Lorenzo Musetti finds himself at the center of an unusual amount of controversy in Beijing. During his first-round match, a tough three-set battle against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the Italian became frustrated with what he considered deliberate disruption during the match. A group of fans were coughing loudly, and he said, “These f**king Chinese are always coughing.” Musetti has since apologized, but he came out to boos in his second-round match.
His quarterfinal opponent is young American Learner Tien. The world No. 52 is on the cusp of a serious breakthrough. Tien upset Francisco Cerundolo in the Beijing first round and Flavio Cobolli in the second. This will be the first meeting between Musetti and Tien. Controversy aside, Musetti has more experience and many more weapons than Tien. Look for the No. 4 seed to advance in straight sets.
Cheryl pick: Musetti in 2
Ricky pick: Musetti in 2
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