Rafael Nadal will make his final professional tennis appearance at the Davis Cup Finals 2024 knockouts.
The Davis Cup Finals 2024 knockout stages which is scheduled from November 19-24 in Málaga, Spain sees the conclusion of the tennis season with eight nations competing for otherwise known as World Cup of tennis.
The event features a best-of-three format which includes two singles matches and a potential doubles decider to be played on indoor hard courts at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena.
Spain, the host nation will be under spotlight as Rafael Nadal will see his final professional appearance. The hosts will hope that with Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz leading, they can add its seventh title at the Davis Cup starting from Netherlands in the opening match.
Defending champions Italy, spearheaded by world No. #1 Jannik Sinner will hope to follow up on his 2023 title with another trophy at the team World Cup. The defending champions will face Argentina, while other quarter-final ties include the USA versus Australia and Germany against Canada.
The tournament brings some of the world’s best tennis players to center stage and especially Nadal’s retirement- emotionally charging the event.
Also Read: Full squad of all eight teams for Davis Cup Finals 2024 knockout stages
Davis Cup 2024 Quarterfinals Predictions
Netherlands vs Spain
While Rafael Nadal’s potential final match adds emotional weight, Spain’s overall strength—which is led by world no #3 Carlos Alcaraz, makes them the clear frontrunners.
Alcaraz dominated the qualifying round, carrying Spain to the top of Group B and while he is coming off a not so good ATP Finals, the 21-year-old had a good recent China Open victory and will be eager to bounce back from his surprising US Open second-round exit to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
Also Read: Rafael Nadal to be honoured with giant canvas tribute at retirement venue
The Netherlands qualified by a slim margin and finished second in their group ahead of Brazil and Belgium. Though Tallon Griekspoor and Van de Zandschulp have had solid seasons with wins over top players which includes Van de Zandschulp’s upset of Alcaraz at the US Open, they are likely to face an uphill battle against a Spanish team with a deep roster and home-court advantage.
Spain is heavily favoured against the Netherlands in their Davis Cup quarter-final clash in Malaga with Davis Cup pedigree which includes six titles and four runner-up finishes.
Prediction: Spain to win 2-0
Germany vs Canada
Germany has strong doubles pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz (14-1 in Davis Cup play), while Canada holds the historical advantage after having defeated Germany 2-1 in the 2022 quarterfinals en route to their championship victory.
The absence of both teams’ 2022 number one singles players (Felix Auger-Aliassime for Canada, Oscar Otte for Germany) creates a new dynamic. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany’s likely number one holds a 6-3 head-to-head record against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, including a victory in their 2022 Davis Cup encounter.
Raonic singles contest against Daniel Altmaier can favour Canadian but Germany’s Struff and their doubles pairing can get the job done against Canada.
Prediction: Germany to win 2-1
USA vs Australia
Team USA brings a strong singles lineup featuring Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul which are both ranked within the world’s top 20. The duo thrive on hard courts. Fritz, Fresh from finals appearances at the US Open and ATP Finals will enter with momentum which makes him the clear favourite in a potential singles rubber against Alexei Popyrin, who has struggled for form and failed to qualify for the ATP Finals.
And Fritz’s other singles partner, Tommy Paul’s all-court game also provides the foundation for singles success against potential Jordan Thompson. Paul defeated Thompson is straight sets in last meeting.
Australia’s doubles team which is led by Paris 2024 gold medalist Matthew Ebden will be a challenge that could test the USA doubles pair if the tie hinges on doubles. However, with the USA likely to clinch both singles rubbers, they appear set to secure the overall victory.
Prediction: USA to win 2-0
Italy vs Argentina
Italy are massive favourite against Argentina, leveraging from both depth and form to potentially dominate and with potentially Jannik Sinner in the ranks, they seem impregnable at the moment. Sinner has dominated 2024 which includes a recent ATP Finals title to go with two hardcourt grand slams.
Lorenzo Musetti adds depth to Italy’s singles contingent with steady improvement on the ATP Tour.
On the other hand, Argentina’s singles team seems no match for the Italian duo. Francisco Cerundolo has shown glimpses of brilliance but doesn’t possess enough firepower to be able to test Sinner. Sebastian Baez is talented but hasn’t been up to the task against top-notch players like Musetti.
In doubles, Argentina’s experience of the pairing Gonzalez and Molteni may count, but Italy’s Bolelli and Vavassori have the advantage with their history in high-pressure situations. Leaving Argentina’s strengths in doubles, Italy’s probable sweep of singles may tilt the tie in favor of the Italians.
Prediction: Italy to win 2-0
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