Day 4 at the ATP Sardinia Open 2021 will see the quarter finals bracket getting completed. Top seeds are in action with four Round of 16 clashes scheduled for the day. We preview and predict all four-high octane clashes for you.
ATP Sardinia Open Day 4 Predictions
Marco Cecchinato vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head to head – First Meeting
To be honest, this is anyone’s match. Both players play their best on clay with Yannick Hanfmann reaching two clay court tournament finals and Marco Cecchinato winning three titles on clay in their respective careers.
Neither of these two had an easy first round and this match doesn’t look like it’s going to be straightforward either. Hanfmann plays a very consistent brand of tennis but can at times be reluctant to close the points out. Cecchinato defends very well and is a fantastic mover around the court. Expect a tight battle with Cecchinato just edging this one on the back of his superior defensive skills and ability to counter punch well.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 3
Laslo Djere vs John Millman
Head to head – Millman 1-0 Djere
It was a case of two extremes if we look at their first round matches. While Laslo Djere came through in straight sets, John Millman had to endure a tiring three setter that went on for over three hours. The Aussie will have to recover quickly and well if he’s continue his campaign here.
Djere loves to play on the clay as is evident by his two clay court titles. He is also the defending champion and that should provide him with confidence and boost his energy levels this week. Expect Millman to be fatigued and Djere to make it extremely tough for the Aussie to escape long rallies. The Serb should be the one winning this match.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Gilles Simon vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head to head – First Meeting
Gilles Simon did exceedingly well to get past the Italian Stefano Travaglia 1-6 6-3 6-4 but the Frenchman’s campaign only gets tougher from here. Lorenzo Sonego is seeded third here and has lost only to top quality opponents this year. The Italian is extremely dangerous on his day and can blast away opponents with ease.
While Sonego relies more on brute force, Simon plays his game completely differently. The Frenchman loves long rallies and constructs points like artwork. Simon has been a top player in the men’s game but recently, his agility around the court has waned and one wonders whether he can keep with Sonego’s relentless ball striking. Expect Sonego to put up a solid performance here.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Daniel Evans vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head to head – First Meeting
Inarguably, this is the match of the day. The top seed Daniel Evans takes on young rising star Lorenzo Musetti. Clay is not particularly a strong suit for Evans while judging from his first round match, Musetti seems to be loving the conditions in Cagliari.
The Italian is definitely one of the players to watch out for and with the way he’s been playing in recent times, Musetti is a dangerous opponent for anybody. It’s tough to see how Evans can out rally Musetti. The Brit is very consistent and is a solid net player but on clay Evans hasn’t been very effective throughout his career. Expect Musetti to continue his fine form he showed in the opening round.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Main Photo from Getty.