Shevchenko in straight sets.
Ah, the tension is palpable as we examine this quarterfinal pugilistic dance - otherwise known as a tennis match - between Mr. Alexander Shevchenko and Francisco Cerundolo. Now, wouldn't that make a great buddy cop film? Anyway, I digress.
Despite Cerundolo sitting comfortably as the 4th seed, he's been playing a bit like a slippery eel on an ice rink of late. He managed to put Engel J. in his place quite neatly, but then again, so would my Grandma Edna if she had her trusty broom. Cerundolo has been tasting the bitter pill of defeat a little frequently for our liking.
On the other side of the net, we have the unseeded Russian bear, Shevchenko, who’s been swinging his racquet around as if there's a swarm of angry bees haunting him, in a good way, mind you. His recent results look as impressive as a cocker spaniel skirting on its hind legs - sneaking past Karatsev and Kukushkin, and also handed Cerundolo defeat the last time they met.
Our prediction? Considering both players' recent performance and their past face-offs, this contest seems pretty straightforward. Cerundolo may be the 4th seed and have an advantage there, but it's been a while since he tasted victory against Shevchenko. If Cerundolo steps out of line, Shevchenko would make him eat a tennis ball sandwich in love, love, love.
Albert’s Prediction: Shevchenko in straight sets.