Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans are through to the semifinals of the Battle of the Brits tournament after winning two round-robin matches. Day four will see the final singles matches of the round-robin stage, with two dead rubbers and one winner-takes-all clash to close out the day. But who will come out on top?
Battle of the Brits Day Four Predictions
Kyle Edmund vs Liam Broady
Head-to-head: Broady 1-0 Edmund
This pair are only a year apart in age and came through the ranks at around the same time and at one point there looked to be little between them. Indeed, in their only previous meeting, which came eight years ago, Liam Broady only lost four games to the future Grand Slam semifinalist. However, their paths have since diverged dramatically. Edmund has established himself at the top of the game, whilst Broady has struggle to make an impact in the professional ranks.
Edmund did endure a difficult 2019 season, but rebounded to start 2020 in fine fashion before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season. He has continued to impress at the Battle of the Brits, beating Andy Murray in a thriller on day two and is now possibly the favourite for the title. His stamina and athleticism seem to have improved over the break which, combined with his huge forehand and good first serve, make him a formidable foe.
Edmund should have too much firepower for Broady. The man from Stockport has, at times, looked out of his depth during the Battle of the Brits and was beaten soundly by both Murray and James Ward, neither of whom were able to get the better of Edmund. Edmund may not be at his sharpest in this match having already qualified, but unless he has a dramatically bad day at the office, expect a routine win for Edmund.
Prediction: Edmund in 2
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Dan Evans vs Ryan Peniston
Head-to-head: first meeting
Evans has arguably produced the best tennis this week. He seems totally focused, fit and firing, and the surface medium-fast court surface and indoor conditions appear to suit his game. He has the skill and variety to keep his opponents off-balance and uncomfortable, and his semifinal clash with Murray on Saturday should be a fascinating encounter. However, there is one more group stage match to play, albeit one that has nothing riding on it.
This would usually be a situation in which there would be some doubt over whether or not Evans would be at his best. That may be an issue, but based on the way he has been playing so far in Roehampton, it would be a surprise. Evans will surely be looking to take this opportunity to sharpen his game after the break and if he does to full (or even 75%) intensity, he should have too much for Ryan Peniston. Peniston has lost both of his matches in champions tiebreaks so far and whilst that will surely be frustrating, he has played well so far at the Battle of the Brits. But this will be a very tough test for the younger man.
Prediction: Evans in 2
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Paul Jubb vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players took the collegiate route into professional tennis and excelled in the US. Paul Jubb won the NCAA championship, whilst Cameron Norrie was the top-ranked singles player in the US for TCU in his time at college. He was almost certainly only denied the NCAA championship by his decision to turn professional. Norrie has proven that was a wise choice, having achieved a career-high ranking of world #41 in May 2019, although he has struggled to maintain that lofty ranking since.
Nonetheless, he is still a good player with a solid serve, excellent forehand and a backhand that whilst not a real weapon, is functional. In his previous match, he played quite well against Evans without really looking like he was ever on the same level as the British #1. Jubb, meanwhile, entered the tournament as a replacement for the injured Jay Clarke, beating Ryan Peniston in three sets to keep his chance of reaching the semifinals alive.
This promises to be a close match, with both men needing a win to reach the semifinals, where the in-form Edmund waits. Jubb is the more explosive player and will surely look to dictate proceedings. But consistency has proven an issue for the 20-year-old. Norrie has a real advantage in experience and he rarely fails to deliver a competitive level. Expect that to give him the decisive edge in a tight match.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
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