Day Four of the 2021 Delray Beach Open sees Hubert Hurkacz begin his season, as well as featuring a matchup of similar game styles between Cameron Norrie and Adrian Mannarino. Here are my predictions for all of the days singles matches.
Cameron Norrie vs Adrian Mannarino
If this match lives up to its potential then it should be the best match of the day. Both players approach the game in a similar way, hitting with heavy top spin and both are to get involved in long rallies from the back of the court. Norrie began his season in spectacular form in his opening round match, dropping only three games and leads the head to head 2-1. However, the Frenchman is the higher ranked player, and won their last meeting in Acapulco last year. I’m predicting this to go to three sets, and I think Norrie will just be able to grind out the win.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Roberto Quiroz vs Ivo Karlovic
Roberto Quiroz has already had a positive start to the 2021 season coming through qualifying before his opening round straight sets win over Noah Rubin. However, in Ivo Karlovic, Quiroz’s return game will be given a massive test. Although aged 41, Karlovic showed no signs of slowing down, winning a tough three set match against Pablo Andujar in the opening round. Although Quiroz will be undoubtedly full of confidence after already having a good run, I think Karlovic’s high level of serving will put him under more pressure than usual in his serving games. I’m predicting a close straight sets win for Karlovic.
Prediction: Karlovic in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Hubert Hurkacz immediately had an impact on the ATP Tour, when in 2019 at Indian Wells, he reached the quarterfinals, recording wins over the likes of Denis Shapovalov and Kei Nishikori. Since that tournament, the Polish player has been beginning to establish himself as a dangerous player on the ATP Tour and will be looking to rise further up the rankings in 2021. Daniel Elahi Galan had a great Roland Garros last year, reaching the third round, his best achievement at a grand slam and with a straight sets win in the opening round, Galan has made a good start to 2021. However, with his big serve, I think Hurkacz has the bigger weapons of the two players, and providing there is not too much rust from not playing matches, I predict a straight sets win for the Pole.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Bjorn Fratangelo
Frances Tiafoe will be looking to regain form in 2021, having endured a difficult 2020 season. There is no doubting that the American has the talent and fans to succeed at the highest level of the sport, as he has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and has the weapons to be a top 20-30 player. Tiafoe got his 2021 season off to a good start, beating fellow American Donald Young in straight sets. In Bjorn Fratangelo, Tiafoe faces another American opponent. Fratangelo dropped only four games in his opening round win over Kevin King, and has played on the ATP Tour before. However, in the 2020 season, Fratangelo played exclusively on the ATP Challenger Tour, and This is only his second ATP Tour level match in over a year. I do think he has the potential to trouble Tiafoe, however I am predicting a three set win for the younger American.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
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