Indian Wells QF previews and predictions: Tsitsipas vs. Basilashvili, Fritz vs. Zverev

On the quarterfinal docket at the Indian Wells Masters on Friday is Stefanos Tsitsipas, who takes on Nikoloz Basilashvili. The lone American man left in the draw, Taylor Fritz, will go up against Alexander Zverev.

(2) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. (29) Nikoloz Basilashvili

Stefanos Tsitsipas is making his way through the Indian Wells, draw, but the Greek isn’t doing so with ease In what has become a recurring theme in the No. 2 seed’s matches, one of his opponents took issue with his conduct. Mercurial Italian Fabio Fognini complained to the chair umpire that Tsitsipas received illegal coaching from his father, Apostolos. No penalty was issued, but the two men exchanged some heated words at the net following Tsitsipas’ 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. At the U.S. Open, Andy Murray accused him of gamesmanship after he took a lengthy bathroom break.

Tsitsipas’ quarterfinal opponent is the controversial Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili, who was accused of domestic violence last year. The two men have met twice before; Tsitsipas won both encounters. The No. 29 seed enjoyed a first-round bye before defeating Christopher Eubanks, Albert Ramos-Vinolas, and Karen Khachanov to earn his spot in the quarters.

With Tsitsipas playing well and gearing up for another successful run at the Nitto ATP finals, this one should go his way.

Cheryl pick: Tsitispas in 3

Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 2

(3) Alexander Zverev vs. (31) Taylor Fritz

Taylor Fritz has already beaten two top-10 seeds in Indian Wells. The resurgent American dispatched No. 5 seed Matteo Berrettini in the third round and No. 10 seed Jannik Sinner in the fourth. He endured a disappointing end to the summer hard-court swing, falling victim to compatriot Jenson Brooksby in the second round of the U.S. Open. Despite that, he’s playing outstanding tennis in the desert this week.

Fritz runs into one of the ATP’s other controversial players, No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev. Like Basilashvili, Zverev has been accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend and awaits an ATP investigation into the allegations. Despite the controversy, Zverev has produced an impressive summer. The German won the Cincinnati Masters and made his way to the semifinals at the U.S. Open.

This is likely to be a long, tough match. Fritz has only beaten Zverev once in four tries, but most of their matches have been competitive–including a close four-setter at Wimbledon this year. Zverev is by far the more in-form player, but Fritz is plenty capable of making him work.

Cheryl pick: Zverev in 3

Ricky pick: Zverev in 2