Metz QF previews and predictions: Korda vs. Sonego, Hurkacz vs. Rinderknech

Quarterfinal action in Metz will take place on Friday, when No. 2 seed and defending champion Hubert Hurkacz gets back in action against Arthur Rinderknech. An intriguing matchup between Sebastian Korda and Lorenzo Sonego is also on the schedule.

Lorenzo Sonego vs. Sebastian Korda

Korda and Sonego will be facing each other for the fourth time in their careers when they battle for a semifinal spot at the Moselle Open on Friday afternoon. Interestingly, they also squared off this same week last year–albeit in San Diego instead of Metz. Sonego won that encounter 6-4, 6-3 to take a 2-1 lead in the head-to-head series.

Based on current form, Korda should be able to even the score. The 49th-ranked American is sporting an 8-3 record in his last four tournaments, including straight-set victories this week over Hugo Gaston and Lorenzo Musetti. It is also worth noting that Korda is 33-16 lifetime indoors, including 16-5 dating back to the start of 2021. Sonego has advanced in Metz by beating Aslan Karatsev and Gilles Simon in straight sets, but the 65th-ranked Italian is just 20-24 this season and was 3-7 in his last 10 matches heading into Metz. This should be a high-quality contest between two solid indoor players, but Korda will likely have the edge.

Pick: Korda in 2

Arthur Rinderknech vs. (2) Hubert Hurkacz

Grand Slams continue to be a problem for Hurkacz (aside from beating Roger Federer in the Swiss’ final singles match last summer at Wimbledon), but put the Pole on a smaller stage and he is nothing less than outstanding. Among his five career ATP titles is a triumph at this same Metz event last season, when he did not lose a single set the whole way. Hurkacz’s title defense got off to a strong start with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Dominic Thiem on Thursday afternoon.

Up next for the world No. 10 is a second meeting with Rinderknech, who lost their only previous tilt 7-6(5), 6-2 earlier this year at the Miami Masters. The 60th-ranked Frenchman booked his spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Jaume Munar and Nikoloz Basilashvili, but that is unspectacular competition at best and neither match was easy. A much tougher test will probably result in the end of Rinderknech’s week in front of the home crowd.

Pick: Hurkacz in 2