As we head into day six at the ATP Miami Open, the match-ups are becoming more and more intriguing. A number of highly competitive matches have taken place already with plenty more on their way. Another thrilling day awaits us, and we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match. But who will march on in Miami?
ATP Miami Open Day Six Predictions
Diego Schwartzman vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 1-0 Mannarino
This should be Diego Schwartzman’s for the taking. He dominated their first encounter in 2018, though this was played on clay which is his preferred surface. Although he is the favourite, Schwartzman has struggled this year to be the consistent player that he usually is. Mannarino is always a tricky customer and can often frustrate his opponents, and can be tough to put away. However, Schwartzman also excels in this area, and should be the one to come out on top.
Given neither player has any big weapons to boast of, this should be a highly gruelling encounter. The rallies will likely be long, with a small amount of cheap points coming for either play. It’s very probable that we’ll see three sets, but Schwartzman has the heart and fight that should be a deciding factor in securing a win.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
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Lorenzo Sonego vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head-to-head: first meeting
Another match that may well go the distance. Before the tournament, many would have expected Lorenzo Sonego to breeze past Daniel Elahi Galan. However, Galan has been in good form this year and impressively defeated 15th seed Alex De Minaur in the round of 64. Sonego has been looking better and better in recent times and is solidifying himself very nicely in the men’s game, especially after dismantling Novak Djokovic in straight sets last year.
He hasn’t picked up as many wins as he would’ve liked this year, but he’s also been unlucky with some tough draws. Galan’s win over De Minaur will have given him bucket loads of confidence and he’ll no doubt be giving Sonego a tough game. Still, Sonego is the favourite and should have enough firepower to take Galan down in a very competitive match.
Prediction: Sonego in 3
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Marin Cilic vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: first meeting
This should be a fascinating match. Lorenzo Musetti is one of the form players on tour right now, and will surely be relishing this battle with the former US Open champion. Marin Cilic has struggled hugely in recent years to replicate the tennis that saw him at the top of men’s tennis, and his confidence is clearly low. Cilic hasn’t had a shocking year, but given how good he can be, his current form is still far below what we’ve seen in the past.
Musetti cruised through his first two rounds and is looking very comfortable playing with the big guns. Cilic did secure a good victory against Cristian Garin in the second round at the ATP Miami Open, but whether this has given him enough of a confidence boost is hard to tell. Musetti will certainly come out firing, and Cilic will have to bring his best tennis if he is to stand a chance of competing. Cilic is experienced enough to cause Musetti some problems and will likely take a set, but the Italian rising star should come out on top.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
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Denis Shapovalov vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-1 Shapovalov
Hubert Hurkacz currently leads their head-to-head, but Denis Shapovalov has been in fantastic form this year. The Pole is another player who’s struggled to put many wins together in 2021, and has suffered a handful of disappointing losses. His meeting with the on-fire Canadian will be a tough task. That said, we’ve seen many times how explosive he can be, and he’s caused Shapovalov problems in the past.
Shapovalov has been breathtaking to watch at times this year, and his first victory over Hurkacz actually occurred in Dubai just weeks ago in straight sets. If he continues this brilliant run, he’ll most likely be heading into the fourth round. Hurkacz will do his best to make things difficult, and if he gathers some momentum then Shapovalov may struggle to come up with a plan B, which is sometimes his downfall. However, Shapovalov looks so strong right now that he should emerge victorious.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
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