The 2021 Australian Open Men’s Quarterfinals are set! Let’s take a look at the matchups and get some predictions going.

Djokovic (1) vs. Zverev (6)

Novak continues his title defense despite an injury sustained in his third round five-set clash with Taylor Fritz. Word from the medical staff is that it is a muscle strain that could either be further aggravated or heal. For Novak, he’d rather risk the season for a shot at the Australian Open. I don’t blame him, he’s the King of the Australian Open, and this Grand Slam is his best chance to continue adding to his Grand Slam collection. He’ll need all the healing he can get though, because Zverev is playing very well, and has quietly and efficiently lost just one set on his way to the quarterfinals. Novak leads the head-to-head 5-2. The last match they contested was a couple of weeks ago at the ATP Cup, where Djokovic won in three tough sets. A somewhat healthy Djokovic will survive Zverev. Djokovic wins in four sets.

Dimitrov (18) vs. Karatsev

Karatsev has shocked everyone by being the first qualifier in 25 years to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal on his debut – at 27 years old! He made Diego Schwartzman (8) look ordinary and mounted an unlikely win from two sets down to beat up and comer Auger-Aliassime (20). Karatsev brings an aggressive brand of tennis and absolutely dominates with a devastating forehand. This seems to be the classic case of a player that has found confidence and is now playing to his potential. It’s ironic that he’ll be playing a player, in Dimitrov (18) who is famous for not playing to his potential. Look out though, as Dimitrov dispatched number three seed Thiem in the fourth round and was looking sharp. That being said, I’m going to go with the bandwagon and pick Karatsev to win this in four sets. His streak will continue into the semifinals.

Medvedev (4) vs. Rublev (7)

Once again, these two magnificent Russians will meet in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. As many can remember, they met at the 2020 US Open quarterfinals. Medvedev won relatively easily in straight sets. However, since then, Rublev’s game has continued to grow. The bad news for Rublev, is that Medvedev’s game has also continued to grow. Medvedev is 3-0 against his countryman, and as our co-tournament favorite, we’re confident he’s going to make it 4-0. Medvedev wins in four sets.

Tsitsipas (5) vs. Nadal (2)

This will be a tough, physical affair. Both these guys are peaking at the right time during this tournament. However, I’m going to give the edge to Tsitsipas. We predicted Nadal to go as far as the Quarterfinals and here we are. We’ll stand by that assessment. This is a faster court than usual, and that will benefit Tsitsipas. Also, Nadal is not 100% healthy. He’s been nursing a bad back throughout the tournament. All these factors favor Tsitsipas to pull the upset. Tsitsipas will win in five sets.

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