Things are heating up at the ATP Miami Open ahead of day four. With 16 second-round matches on the slate and a number of the world’s best set to take to the court, there should be plenty of entertaining action and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will reach the third round?
ATP Miami Open Day Four Predictions
Kei Nishikori vs Aljaz Bedene
Head-to-head: Nishikori 1-0 Bedene
This is likely be an interesting match. These two had their first and only meeting meeting in Dubai this year, which Kei Nishikori won in straight sets. The Japanese appears to be getting back to his best after an incredibly tough time out with injuries, so it’s great for the tennis world to seem back fit and healthy. When he’s firing, he is absolutely brilliant and one of the best ball strikers in the world. However, as he’s still returning to his top form, matches like this may not be as comfortable as before.
Aljaz Bedene is always a tricky customer and often finds a way of breaking down his opponents. But while he may cause a few problems, and maybe ever take a set off the former-world #4, Nishikori should come through with the win.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
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Alex de Minaur vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head-to-head: de Minaur 2-0 Galan
Alex de Minaur has struggled for real consistency so far this year. However, although he may not be in great form, he’s a hugely impressive talent and his best is surely not far away. Starting his ATP Miami Open campaign as the 15th seed, the Australian will surely be hoping to kick himself into gear and have a great tournament. The only meeting between these two at ATP-level was back in 2019 at the Davis Cup, which De Minaur won in straight sets, although they did also play on the Challenger tour in 2016, and De Minaur won this in three.
That being said, Daniel Elahi Galan has had a decent year so far and so should be expected to put up a good fight, but De Minaur’s talent and tenacity should see him win fairly comfortably.
Prediction: De Minaur in 2
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Diego Schwartzman vs Yasutaka Uchiyama
Head-to-head: first meeting
Diego Schwartzman will be going into this match as the heavy favourite. The fifth seed will be hungry to forget about his disappointing loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Acapulco last week with a good run here. Schwartzman has suffered a few upsets this year and hasn’t been as consistent as he usually is, but this should only motivate him more.
While he doesn’t possess any major weapons, which has cost him in the past, he’s always a very tough man to beat and Yasutaka Uchiyama will most likely struggle to do enough to cause an upset. Uchiyama should offer up some resistance at times throughout the match, but Schwartzman will be too strong.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
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Benoit Paire vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-meeting: first meeting
This will undoubtedly be a very interesting encounter. Musetti is in absolutely stunning form right now and, at only 19-years-old, he clearly has a very bright future in the sport. He’s playing with no fear against anyone he plays, and Benoit Paire is almost certainly in for a difficult match. In fact, despite Paire being seeded in Miami, Musetti is more the favourite.
Paire’s motivation for tennis has been low lately and his temperament on court is showing that he’s not currently in a great mindset with the sport. If Musetti strikes early, it’s hard to see Paire finding a way to turn things around. If the old Paire can resurface, then things could be very close. However, looking at recent times, Musetti will likely be too good for the Frenchman.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
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