The former college stars will be out of action when the remaining quarterfinal spots in Dallas are announced Thursday. Eliot Spizzirri and Jack Pinnington Jones go head-to-head, while Ethan Quinn takes on Marin Cilic.
Ethan Quinn vs. Marin Cilic
Cilic may be 37 years old and after an injury-riddled career, but he remains strong. Ranked 61st, Cilic reached the fourth round of Wimbledon last summer and is off to a 4-2 start this season. The 2014 US Open champion followed up his third-round effort at the Australian Open by beating Learner Tien 7-5, 7-6(4) at the Dallas Open on Tuesday.
Next up for Cilic on Thursday is a first-ever meeting with Quinn, who won 7-6(3), 7-5 over Trevor Svajda. The 21-year-old American has climbed to 71st in the rankings and is currently playing the best tennis of his career. Recent results include an Aussie Open upset of Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz in addition to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(11) Davis Cup victory over Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan from four points down. Cilic will have to perform very well, because Quinn should have the edge from the baseline – especially without the forehand.
Pick: Quinn at 3
(Q) Jack Pinington Jones vs. (WC) Eliot Spizzirri
It will be a rematch of several recent collegiate contests when Spizzirri and Pynington Jones meet for the first time in their professional careers on Thursday. Their collegiate rivalry was split, though Pinington Jones won the most important match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 while leading TCU past Texas 4-3 in the 2024 National Championship.
Spizzirri, however, has made more progress so far at this level. The 24-year-old American rose to world number 68 and famously had Jannik Sinner on the ropes in the third round of the Australian Open. Spizzirri won 11 games in the majors during a young career; Pinington Jones won two after defeating Flavio Cobolli who was ice cold on Tuesday. With Spizzirri playing well and ahead of the 22-year-old Brit in his progression, this one should go the way of the former Texas Longhorn.
Pick: Spizzirri at 2
