Who? Heidrich/Vergé-Dépré v Artacho/Clancy
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 2pm CEST
Why? The quarter-final beckons for either of these top teams who, surprisingly, meet for the first time. The Swiss have scrapped their way through with some hard-fought victories, including a three-set classic against young German opposition. The Australians are one, if not the, in-form team in the competition, winning three medals in their last four tournaments, including gold in Warsaw. Their win over Brandie Wilkerson and Heather Bansley only enhanced their title credentials further but they will need to be at their best to stop Joana and Anouk.
Who? Pavan/Humana-Paredes v Keizer/Meppelink
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 4pm CEST
Why? The Canadians have found their rhythm at these World Championships as they aim to improve on their fourth place in Vienna two years ago, but standing in their way as they search for a place in the quarter-finals are European champions Sanne and Madeleine, who have not dropped a set in their four victories so far in Hamburg. The two teams met as recently as the last World Tour event in Warsaw – a game Melissa and Sarah won in straight sets. It’s arguably the toughest Last 16 tie to call.
Who? Lucena/Dalhausser v Tijan/Cherif
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 6pm CEST
Why? Americans Nick and Phil have found the going tough in Hamburg, only edging through to this stage after a Lucky Loser win over out-of-form Mexicans Virgen/Ontiveros. There’s no doubting they remain a huge danger to any team left in the competition so now that they have a win under their belts, have they got their mojo back? They will definitely need to be on-song if they are to reach the Last 16 as Qatar’s Tijan and Cherif have been one of the best teams on the World Tour over the past year and have battled their way to three successive wins in a tough pool to reach this stage.
Who? Thole/Wickler v Brouwer/Meeuwsen
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 7.15pm CEST
Why? This promises to be a massive match on the Red Bull Beach Arena as German hopefuls Thole/Wickler face a stern challenge in the shape of the 2013 winners and 2016 Olympic bronze medalists Alexander and Robert. The Germans have won their three games in straight sets while the Dutch squeezed through the so-called Group of the Death with a win over Lucena/Dalhausser. History favors young Julius and Clemens – the pair have won both of their previous meetings with their opponents on the World Tour. With the backing of a passionate home crowd, this could be a game to remember.
Who? Borger/Sude v Barbara/Fernanda
Where? Red Bull Beach Arena
When? 8.30pm CEST
Why? Karla and Julia are the last German women’s team standing after five of their compatriots bit the dust on a bad day for the host nation on Thursday. The pair have already pulled off an excellent win in the pool play, defeating the USA’s Ross/Klineman, but their next assignment is just as tough. Standing in their way are Brazilians Barbara and Fernanda. 2015 champ Barbara and 2015 runner-up Fernanda have been in awesome form so far, winning all four of their matches 2-0. The sole meeting between these teams in May saw the Germans win… will history repeat itself? The majority inside the Red Bull Beach Arena will be hoping so.
