Paris Masters Quarterfinals promise much for tennis fans

We have reached the last Masters 1000 Quarterfinal of the 2023 season, the Rolex Paris Masters.

In a series of tournaments that began way back at Indian Wells in March, we have seen the best of the best battle it out at the highest level.

The Paris Masters has been no different, so let’s look at the matches on tap.

Predicting the quarterfinals of the Rolex Paris Masters

(5) Andrey Rublev versus (13) Alex de Minaur – Rublev is into yet another Masters quarterfinal after he secured his 20th win of the season at this level over Botic van de Zandschulp.

De Minaur got a lucky break after Jannik Sinner withdrew due to fatigue meaning the 13th-seeded Aussie got a walkover into the last 8.

Rublev will look to bash his groundstrokes per usual from the baseline while De Minaur will want to absorb this power and redirect it with his typical precision. It’s a fascinating style clash but I think the defense comes through on this day.

Prediction: Alex de Minaur in 3 sets

(11) Hubert Hurkacz versus Grigor Dimitrov – The veteran Dimitrov continued his late-season renaissance after he stunned Daniil Medvedev in one of the bigger upsets in the Paris Masters this week.

Hurkacz also maintained his rich vein of form with a comfortable straight-sets victory. Both players are playing some great tennis coming into this match, but Hubert needs it more if his slim chances of qualifying for Turin stand a chance.

I think that puts him over the edge in a very hotly-contested battle.

Prediction: Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets but very close sets

(7) Stefanos Tsitispas versus (16) Karen Khachanov – Tsitsipas recorded his first Top 10 win of the season when he defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets to book his Paris Quarterfinal spot.

Khachanov ended the surprise run of Roman Safiullin. Not having to play Carlos Alcaraz was a true gift for the big-hitting Khachanov, one which he did well to capitalize on.

However, Tsitispas is playing some of his best tennis in months so his versatility should be too much and I expect him to make a final four appearance.

Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets

(1) Novak Djokovic versus (6) Holger Rune – The World No. 1 was pushed extremely hard by Tallon Griekspoor but a decisive break to love in the deciding set put Novak on the path to the last 8 in Paris.

His game was up and down throughout but he utilized the energy from a very passionate crowd to victory over the talented Dutchman. He will face Holger Rune who cruised past Daniel Altmaier.

He is still battling for his Top 8 status and he is another player that came into this event in good form who needed it to close the season.

He has been close in a lot of big matches this season, but his game tends to float. Djoker should be too steady for him.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in 3 sets