Brisbane QF previews and predictions: Dimitrov vs. Thompson, Mpetshi Perricard vs. Mensik

No. 2 seed Grigor Dimitrov takes on Aussie Jordan Thompson, with the Bulgarian looking for a spot in the semifinals in Brisbane. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and teen Jakub Mensik will also be in action on Friday.

(2) Grigor Dimitrov vs. (8) Jordan Thompson

In a rematch of last year’s semifinal at the Brisbane International, world No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov will take on Australia’s Jordan Thompson. Dimitrov had a renaissance year in 2024; the Bulgarian made his way back into the top 10 and he wrapped his season up with a quarterfinal at the U.S. Open (he retired against Frances Tiafoe) and made the final in Stockholm (l. Taylor Fritz). The No. 2 seed made his way into the quarters this week with straight-set wins over Yannick Hanfmann and Aleksandar Vukic.

The good news for Dimitrov is he won his last two meetings with Thompson, including their last meeting on these same courts in Brisbane. Like Dimitrov, Thompson finished his 2024 season in good form–and he has perhaps had the most difficult path to the quarters of any seed, having faced former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and young upstart Alex Michelsen to earn his place opposite Dimitrov on Friday.

Consider tuning in for this one; it has the potential to be a sleeper hit. Both men are playing well and while Dimitrov has more firepower, Thompson will have the crowd in his corner.

Cheryl pick: Dimitrov in 3

Ricky pick: Thompson in 3

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs. Jakub Mensik

This is a battle of two future tour stars and it’s another match with the makings of a barnburner. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is one of a handful of tall power players nipping at the heels of the top 20. His serve is among the top of the men’s game. The 21-year-old isn’t on the cusp of breaking through; he’s already doing so. GMP won two titles last year–one on the clay courts of Lyon and a second indoors in Basel. He is currently ranked 31st in the world.

Jakub Mensik of Czechia isn’t quite as far along as Mpetshi Perricard. The 19-year-old has not yet won an ATP title and he was ranked low enough last year that he was forced to qualify for many main tour events. He is currently a career-high 48th in the world. He has faced Mpetshi Perricard once before on the Challenger circuit; the Frenchman won in three competitive sets.

This should be another entertaining match in Friday’s lineup. Given Mpetshi Perricard’s form and his massive first serve, look for him to pull out a close victory.

Cheryl pick: Mpetshi Perricard in 3

Ricky pick: Mpetshi Perricard in 2