Day four at Roland Garros features dirtballing Spaniards Pablo Carreno Busta and Tommy Robredo looking for key wins, the young Borna Coric and rising Nikoloz Basilashvili are also looking for upsets. Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, and Niall Clarke are on hand to offer their previews with predictions.
(20)Pablo Carreno Busta vs. (Q)Taro Daniel
Steen: PCB has a 7-0 h2h edge over Daniel, with most of those wins coming on clay. Despite Daniel entering this match on a four match win streak, PCB should ease into the third round. Carreno Busta in 3
Yesh: Daniel is a decent Challenger level player, but he is way out of his depth on clay against a Spaniard in a Grand Slam. Carreno Busta in 3
Niall: Daniel had a good win against Janowicz, but Carreno Busta is a step up in competition, especially on clay. I expect an easy win for the Spaniard. Carreno Busta in 3
(11)Grigor Dimitrov vs. Tommy Robredo
Steen: Robredo upset Dimitrov this year on clay and has two previous wins against the Bulgarian #1, at 35 with a great record in Paris, he should have plenty of hope and confidence that he can pull this off. Dimitrov had a smooth start to the tournament though and he should be too good to get knocked off in this one. Dimitrov in 5
Yesh: Grigor Dimitrov is not at his absolute best on clay, but he should be more than good enough to get past a Robredo who is far past his prime. Dimitrov in 4
Niall: Robredo is veteran and very good clay courter, but he is nearing the end of his career. I expect a good fight from the Spaniard, but Dimitrov will likely prove too strong. Dimitrov in 4
Jiri Vesely vs. Aljaz Bedene
Steen: Vesely has a h2h win and on clay I’m not sure why he’s the betting underdog. Bedene has had a great season but expecting a strong performance in a grand slam from him is probably a bridge too far. Vesely should outlast his opponent and power to a win. Vesely in 4
Yesh: Jiri Vesely took out an uncomfortable Jack Sock in impressive fashion. He should have no problem dealing with Bedene. Vesely in 3
Niall: Bedene has hit good form recently, but Vesely is a more than solid clay courter. This one is going to be close, but I am going with the Czech to steal it from the Brit. Vesely in 5
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs. Viktor Troicki
Steen: Basilashvili has four wins in his last five matches and although he’s usually poor on clay, he’s certainly got the mojo working this year, both on tour, and on the surface. Troicki got an easy round one win and is more accomplished. I’ll go with experience and back the Serbian on clay. Troicki in 4
Yesh: I went against Basilashvili last round and was wrong. I’m going to do it again, though, as Troicki is a better clay player. Then again, so was Gilles Simon. Troicki in 4
Niall: Basilashvili had a good win against Simon in the first round, but big wins are often followed by losses. Troicki is a solid player, and I expect a tight match here with the Serb progressing. Troicki in 5
(25)Steve Johnson vs. Borna Coric
Steen: Johnson needed five sets in round 1, and although he’s the ranking favorite, Coric should be much better on clay. Barring an underwhelming showing, Coric should win too many rallies in this one. Coric in 4
Yesh: Steve Johnson is one of the only two American men to reach the second round, but reaching the third will be a tall task. Coric is a good player, especially on clay, though he can be inconsistent at times. Still, it will take something poor from him to not beat Johnson. Coric in 4
Niall: Style clash here between an aggressive big server and a more defensive minded player. I think Coric is in better form and clay suits his game better than Johnson, so I think Coric gets the win. Coric in 4
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