Play continues in Hamburg on Thursday as we wrap up the second round. Who will advance to the quarterfinals? We take a look at all four of the Day 4 matches in Hamburg and offer our thoughts.
ATP Hamburg Day 4 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Federico Delbonis
Home favourite Alexander Zverev has endured a tough season both on and off the court. However, in the opening round, the German showed glimpses of his best tennis with an emphatic straight sets victory over the talented Chilean Nicolas Jarry. Many people were surprised at Zverev playing this event. However, it makes sense as clay has been the surface that has given him the most success in his career.
Against Federico Delbonis, Zverev will not have a straightforward match. Clay is also the Argentines most successful surface, and when they played earlier this year in the semi-finals in Geneva, that went to three sets, with the German finally coming out on top. This is a match that will be predominantly played from the baseline. Zverev has more power than Delbonis; however, the Argentine is a great mover on the red dirt. I’m predicting the same outcome as their match in Geneva.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Jan-Lennard Struff has enjoyed his best year on tour. Highlights have included a win over Alexander Zverev in Indian Wells and a run to the fourth round at Roland Garros. The German possesses a good all court game and his big weapons are his serve and his forehand. On the other hand, Pablo Carreno Busta has struggled for form this year. On his day, the Spaniard is a real handful, particularly on clay. Currently ranked at #59, this is not a reflection of the quality of game he possesses. This has the potential to be a tight three setter.
Prediction: Struff in 3
Martin Klizan vs Filip Krajinovic
This promises to be a highly competitive match against two players who enjoy playing on the red dirt. Krajinovic has endured a difficult year form-wise and has struggled with injuries. However, in his opening round win, he showcased some brilliant ball-striking, especially on the forehand side. Krajinovic may not possess the power of the Slovakian. However, he is a more consistent player who has the ability to wear opponents down from the baseline. This match should go to three sets of both players are on their game, but I think the Serbian will make fewer unforced errors to record the victory.
Prediction: Krajinovic in 3
Fabio Fognini vs Rudolf Molleker
Fabio Fognini won the biggest title of his career on the clay earlier this year at the Monte Carlo Masters. For many followers of the game, it was great to see Fognini reach his potential as on his day, the Italian has the game to beat any player in the world. Since the,n though, it’s been up and down for Fognini. A run to the third round at Wimbledon was overshadow by controversial comments he made about playing on Court 14.
German qualifier Rudolf Molleker achieved the biggest win of his career in the opening round in defeating the defending champion Leonardo Mayer in straight sets. Many view Molleker as having great potential and he is in with a chance against the Italian. It’s tough to predict this one. On his day, Fognini could record a straight sets victory. But with the crowd behind the home favorite, this could be far from a straightforward match.
Prediction: Fognini in 3
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