An intriguing Miami quarterfinal lineup on Thursday is highlighted by Daniil Medvedev, who can clinch a return to the No. 1 ranking. Medvedev meets defending champ Hubert Hurkacz, while Carlos Alcaraz faces Miomir Kecmanovic.
(1) Daniil Medvedev vs. (8) Hubert Hurkacz
If the three previous encounters between Medvedev and Hurkacz are anything to go by, their showdown in the Miami Open quarterfinals should be a fun one. Final sets have been required on every occasion; Hurkacz pulled off a 2-6, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 upset at Wimbledon last summer before Medvedev prevailed 2-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(5) at the Toronto Masters and 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 at the Nitto ATP Finals.
There is no reason to think anything will be different this time around. Hurkacz is the defending champion and he has extended his Miami winning streak to nine matches with victories over Arthur Rinderknech, Aslan Karatsev, and Lloyd Harris–dropping one set to Karatsev in the process. Following a brief post-Australian Open slump, Medvedev seems to be rounding back into form with straight-set defeats of Andy Murray, Pedro Martinez, and Jenson Brooksby. The 26-year-old has extra motivation in the form of regaining the No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic, which he will accomplish next week if he beats Hurkacz. That along with slow conditions to help Medvedev play his way into a ton of baseline rallies should allow the favorite to get the best of another competitive contest.
Pick: Medvedev in 3
(14) Carlos Alcaraz vs. Miomir Kecmanovic
Alcaraz vs. Kecmanovic may not be as competitive given the absolutely incredible level that the 18-year-old is displaying right now, but if nothing else this should be a clinic in ball-striking from both sides of the court. Kecmanovic is also one of the hottest players on tour to begin this season, with a fourth-round run at the Australian Open, a quarterfinal finish in Indian Wells, and now another quarterfinal appearance in Miami. The 22-year-old avenged his three-set loss in the desert to eventual champion Taylor Fritz by upsetting the American 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Tuesday night.
As well as Kecmanovic is playing, nobody–perhaps not even Medvedev–is on par with Alcaraz this fortnight. The Spaniard has built on his Indian Wells semifinal performance with straight-set wins over Marton Fucsovics, Marin Cilic, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite playing well, himself, Tsitsipas could not take a set or even force a tiebreaker in their fourth-round battle. Expect an extremely high-quality affair, but a clear edge goes to Alcaraz.
Pick: Alcaraz in 2
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Hurkacz in three ,Alcaraz in two
The conditions should suit Hurkacz better so slight edge to him
Medvedev struggles against Hurkacz, so will be interesting to see who prevails this time. Both are in relatively similar form heading into this one.
Alcaraz on fire….in 3….and Med in a tough 3.
By the looks of things it would seem Hubi in 2!!
Wow, some match between Alcaraz and Kecmanovic! Both guys hitting the cover off the ball. Meddy didn’t look well at all during his match with Hurk. Will be interesting to see how the New Kid stacks up v Hurk.
This guy Kecmanovic made it a battle. It went to the limit with a third set TB. He was up 5-3 but Alcaraz fought back to win it.
I don’t think I have seen Hurkacz play yet. I look forward to a good match.
Kecmanovic had a brain snap in the 2nd game of the 2nd set, otherwise he probably wins it.
Alcaraz is proving to be a very tough nut to crack. If he can get over is idolatry for Nadal, he could be winner majors before we know it.
Alcaraz in very dogged like Rafa hence y Rafa is able to beat him bcoz Rafa can preempt all his actions. But it’s great to have one like him on the tour. He’s only 18 so he has a lot of time to improve which in itself is scary!! I would love to see how he stacks up against Nole or even Meddy (when he is back in form). However, the clay season is going to be something. I’m sure Alcaraz will be dumped on Rafa”s side of the draw as well as the rest of the land mines. Sigh!!!
I like Alcaraz’s game compared to Rafas . Early days though