The oft-injured Matteo Berrettini has made noise in Stuttgart this week with a pair of wins to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. An in-form Jan-Lennard Struff will also be in action on Friday against Brandon Nakashima.
(Q) James Duckworth vs. (PR) Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini might be one of the more unlucky active players on the ATP Tour. The world No. 95 has spent the past year nursing a cadre of injuries. He won his first match of the 2024 season in Marrakech–and went on to win the tournament, only to be sidelined this spring with tonsillitis. He lost his opener in Monte-Carlo and did not play the rest of the clay season, including a withdrawal at his home tournament at the Rome Masters.
Grass is Berrettini’s preferred surface, though, and he appears to be healthy so far in Stuttgart. He posted wins over the No. 8 seed Roman Safiullin and Denis Shapovalov to earn his spot in Friday’s quarter. He could have faced Ben Shelton, but the American was upset in the second round by James Duckworth–so it will be the Aussie qualifier for Berrettini.
Provided that health is a non-factor, Berrettini should advance. The Italian was the 2021 Wimbledon finalist and he is in his element on the lawns.
Cheryl pick: Berrettini in 2
Ricky pick: Berrettini in 2
(7) Jan-Lennard Struff vs. Brandon Nakashima
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff is having the season of his career. The 34-year-old veteran won his first-ever tournament in Munich. Granted, he has historically performed better on clay than grass–but he plays well in front of the home crowd. He earned straight-set wins over Flavio Cobolli and Arthur Rinderknech en route to the quarters.
Brandon Nakashima has had a letdown since his banner season in 2022. He came into Stuttgart with a 6-7 record on the year and has spent part time on the Challenger circuit to get his ranking up; he currently sits at world No. 70. The American has some match wins on grass from his run to the semis at the Surbiton Challenger, but Struff is just in better form overall.
Cheryl pick: Struff in 3
Ricky pick: Struff in 2