ANALYSIS: Who reaches the quarters? – The expected surprise

Quarterfinals are coming up on Friday – and on the women’s side, we’ve already seen one surprise. The men’s draw mostly follows the seeding, but one match looks more uncertain than the others. Below is a breakdown of the expected quarterfinals.

All analysis and predictions in the text are made by the writer.

Men’s draw:

Expected quarterfinals by seeding

Coello / Tapia 1 vs Alonso / Bautista 8
Stupaczuk / Lebrón 3 vs González / Sanz 5
Yanguas / Nieto 4 vs Bergamini / Navarro 7
Chingotto / Galán 2 vs Tello / Di Nenno 6

Three likely quarterfinals – and one surprise

In the first expected quarterfinal, Coello and Tapia are set to face Alonso and Bautista. Coello and Tapia, looking to bounce back after last week’s quarterfinal loss, should reach this stage without much trouble. Alonso and Bautista, seeded eighth, could face a tougher test in the round of 16 against Chozas and Gutiérrez but are still expected to make the quarterfinal.

The next quarterfinal, based on seeding, is between González/Sanz and Stupaczuk/Lebrón. But it’s not certain that González and Sanz will get there – they are likely to face Cardona and Augsburger, who were impressive last week and could be favourites. Stupaczuk and Lebrón should make it past Libaak and Garrido, even though it could be a close match. That makes Cardona/Augsburger vs Stupaczuk/Lebrón the more likely quarterfinal.

The third expected quarterfinal is between Yanguas/Nieto and Bergamini/Navarro. Both pairs should be able to reach this stage without major problems, although some challenge is expected.

The last quarterfinal would see Tello and Di Nenno against Chingotto and Galán. Both teams have a relatively clear path to this matchup.

Women’s draw:

Expected quarterfinals by seeding:

Josemaría / Sánchez 1 vs Sainz / Llaguno 6
Ortega / Alonso vs Araujo 5 / Ustero 4
Fernandez / Gonzalez 3 vs Caldera / Goenaga
Icardo / Jensen 8 vs Triay / Brea 2

One surprise already in the first round

It’s worth noting that not all top teams have entered the tournament yet on the women’s side. Josemaría and Sánchez, the world number ones, should have no problems reaching the quarterfinals. The same goes for Sainz and Llaguno, who won easily yesterday with 6–1, 6–1.

In the second expected quarterfinal, Ortega and Alonso are expected to face Araujo and Ustero. This is an exciting matchup, especially since the players have previously played together but now have new partners. This quarterfinal is very likely to happen.

The third expected quarterfinal already looks different. Salazar and Virseda, who were seeded seventh, lost in the first round to Caldera and Goenaga – meaning we’ve already had a surprise. Caldera and Goenaga, who knocked them out, are now expected to hold their place and reach the quarterfinals, where Fernandez and Gonzalez will likely be waiting.

In the final quarterfinal, Icardo and Jensen are expected to go through and face Triay and Brea.