The top two seeds will be in quarterfinal action at the Umag ATP 250 as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Facundo Bagnis and Jannik Sinner does battle with Roberto Carballes Baena. Alcaraz and Sinner are the only two seeds remaining.
(1) Carlos Alcaraz vs. Facundo Bagnis
Carlos Alcaraz won his first ever tournament title in Umag in 2021. The Spanish teenager has since added another four titles to his trophy case, including a pair of Masters events. Alcaraz has cooled off a bit since his sizzling hot run this spring, but he still had respectable results at the French Open (QF loss to Alexander Zverev) and Wimbledon (4th round ouster to Jannik Sinner). Alcaraz came up just short in the final of Hamburg, falling to Lorenzo Musetti.
Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis has spotted spotty results of late. He sits at No. 120 in the world, with his best results coming on the Challenger circuit. He did well this week to earn a spot in the quarters, with wins over countryman Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Corentin Moutet.
With Alcaraz playing in his comfort zone on clay, this one should go the Spaniard’s way without much fuss.
Cheryl pick: Alcaraz in 2
Ricky pick: Alcaraz in 2
(2) Jannik Sinner vs. Roberto Carballes Baena
Jannik Sinner and Roberto Carballes Baena will do battle in a rematch of their 2022 French Open 2nd round encounter a few months ago. Carballes Baena nabbed the first set before Sinner came roaring back to win in 4.
Friday’s quarterfinal should be more straightforward for the Italian world No. 10. He was efficient in the second round against Jaume Munar, a tough clay court opponent. Sinner hasn’t won any tour titles in 2022, but he has consistently gotten to the business end of most tournaments he’s entered, including solid results at the 3 majors so far.
Carballes Baena, ranked 86th in the world, has had decent results on the Challenger circuit, but his tour-level record was an anemic 5-14 coming into this week in Umag. The Spaniard is most comfortable on clay and can be dangerous on the right day, but this one should go Sinner.
Cheryl pick: Sinner in 2
Ricky pick: Sinner in 2
WWW?
Carlos in 2 (losing no more than 7); Jannik in 2