Day 4 at the ATP Japan Open features some big names such as David Goffin, Marin Cilic, and Denis Shapovalov. Crowd favourite Taro Daniel remains in the draw as he takes on Australian Jordan Thompson. Who will advance to the next round of the Tokyo Open?
ATP Japan Open Day 4 Predictions
Hyeon Chung vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Cilic 3-0 Chung
Both players are not at their best at the moment. Marin Cilic, a champion at the US Open and a runner-up at Melbourne Park and Wimbledon, has endured a miserable 18 months and his best days seem to be behind him. Chung, on the other hand, is working his way back from an injury that has badly disrupted his season. Whilst Chung has never beaten or taken a set off Cilic, all of their past three meetings have featured at least one tiebreak in them. And the Korean played well enough in the first round to suggest that he could trouble Cilic. Ultimately, however, it is hard to look past Cilic’s power and experience, although this could well go the distance.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: Thompson leads 1-0
Taro Daniel gave his home fans plenty to cheer about as he beat the #2 seed of the tournament, Borna Coric. However, the 26-year-old American-Japanese will have to be the underdog again as he takes on Jordan Thompson who has been playing well the past few months.
Expect a close match, with a big crowd cheering for Daniel. But history tells us that when a player beats a big seed at any tournament, they are unable to back up the win and usually lose the following round.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Lloyd Harris vs John Millman
Head-to-head: First meeting
Harris had to save two match points in his first round to oust the Zhuhai champion, Alex de Minaur. Whilst that is impressive, the question is whether the 22-year-old South African has enough tank both physically and emotionally.
On the other hand, the Australian journeyman, Millman, clearly likes the conditions here in Tokyo. Coming through as a qualifier, he has already played three matches here in Tokyo.
Both players have a similar ranking, Harris at #99 in the world, whereas Millman is at #80. Expect a close match, but Millman momentum’s from this week could eventually push him over the finish line.
Prediction: Millman in 2
David Goffin vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have been playing superb tennis in the past few weeks. Shapovalov reached the third round at the US Open, losing to Gael Monfils in five close sets. At his most recent tournament, in Chengdu, the 20-year-old lost in the semifinals to Pablo Carreno Busta. For Goffin, he reached the final in Cincinnati in which he lost to the in-form Daniil Medvedev. The Belgian also reached the fourth round at the US Open before losing to Roger Federer.
It should be a good match and should to the distance. Even though Shapovalov has improved exponentially under the coaching of Mikhail Youzhny, expect the Belgian to get through this one based on his experience and consistency.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
