The ATP Mallorca Championships are now witnessing an intriguing turn of events following the elimination of top-seeded Ben Shelton, creating an atmosphere of heightened competition among the remaining players. The tournament still features notable contenders, including No. 3 seed Alex Michelsen, who has reached two ATP Tour finals on grass, and Gabriel Diallo, who has already secured a title on this surface this season. No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime is set to face Hamad Medjedovic, adding further excitement to the quarterfinals.
As the quarterfinal matches approach, predictions for each matchup foresee some thrilling encounters:
**Learner Tien vs. Corentin Moutet:**
Their head-to-head record stands at 1-0 in favor of Tien, who seems to be riding a wave of momentum after defeating Ben Shelton. Both players are known for their creative playing styles, making this match difficult to call, but Tien’s recent performance suggests he could continue his winning streak.
**Alex Michelsen vs. Roberto Bautista Agut:**
This will mark their first encounter. Bautista Agut, a seasoned competitor with experience in four consecutive Mallorca quarterfinals, seeks to capitalize on his return to grass. While Michelsen’s game fits well with the court, Bautista Agut’s flat forehand and veteran insight may give him an edge.
**Gabriel Diallo vs. Tallon Griekspoor:**
Griekspoor holds a 1-0 advantage in previous meetings, having defeated Diallo at the French Open. However, with Diallo riding high after winning his first title on grass recently, there may be an opportunity for him to exact revenge, especially with Griekspoor still recovering from injury.
**Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Hamad Medjedovic:**
This match will be their first meeting, with both players focusing on powerful serves. Medjedovic’s previous injury had prevented their earlier matchup, raising questions about how he will fare against Auger-Aliassime’s skill set on grass.
The unpredictability of these matchups sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, where any of these skilled athletes could emerge as a finalist. The championship continues to showcase the evolution of grass-court play and the potential surprises that lie ahead.