With seven of the top eight seeds already knocked out of the tournament, the second ATP 500 event of the season is well and truly up for grabs. Here are my predictions for the four singles matches on Day 4.
2019 Rio Open Day 4 Predictions
Federico Delbonis vs Albert Ramos Vinolas
Albert Ramos Vinolas has struggled to find consistency since reaching the final of the Monte Carlo Masters in 2016. The Spaniard is a great mover, especially on the red dirt. With the draw fully opened up, Ramos Vinolas will be seen as one of the favourites to lift the title on Sunday. However, the Spaniard faces a tough test in Federico Delbonis. Armed with one of the most bizarre service actions in the game, the Argentine is also a specialist on clay and is already in good form, having reached the semifinals a fortnight ago at the Cordoba Open. This match is a tough one to call, but I think the Spaniard will just edge it in three sets.
Prediction: Ramos Vinolas in 3
Juan Ignacio Londero vs Pablo Cuevas
In my opinion, this is the match of the day. Londero surprised the tennis world in securing his first ATP World Tour match win and title in the same week at the Cordoba Open. With his confidence at an all time high, Londero won his first round match, recovering from a set down against Elias Ymer. Pablo Cuevas has had a dip in form of late; however, the Uruguayan is an experienced player who has won titles on clay before and he is a big threat to anyone playing him. I expect the Uruguayan to pull through in three sets.
Prediction: Cuevas in 3
Laslo Djere vs Taro Daniel
Laslo Djere produced the best performance of his career in knocking out Dominic Thiem in the first round. The Serbian has struggled to produce consistent results at tour level, but currently ranked at 90, he has a great chance to pick up valuable ranking points. Taro Daniel won the biggest victory of his career a year ago in Indian Wells, defeating Novak Djokovic, and much like his opponent, has struggled since to produce consistent results at tour level. Both players will be desperate to go deep this week and take advantage of the draw. I expect a tight encounter with Djere winning in two tight sets.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Casper Ruud vs Joao Sousa
Joao Sousa is the most experienced p[layer left in the draw. The Portuguese player has had a successful career, having established himself as a top fifty player and having won three ATP titles. Casper Ruud is a promising up and coming player who has had previous success in this tournament having made the semi-finals here. The Norwegian is only 20 years old and ranked #135 in the world. This week is the perfect opportunity for him to pick up ranking points. This is the first meeting between the pair. I’m still giving the edge to Sousa but I think it’ll go to a tight three sets.
Prediction: Sousa in 3
