There should be plenty of entertainment on day four at the ATP Barcelona Open with eight third-round matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Rafael Nadal vs Kei Nishikori. But who will book their place in the quarterfinals?
ATP Barcelona Open Day Four Predictions
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: Auger-Aliassime 2-2 Shapovalov
This is a match between two of the games most gifted young players. Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Lorenzo Musetti in his opening match this week, but the Canadian has had a broadly disappointing season so far. He suffered a heartbreaking fourth-round defeat at the Australian Open to Aslan Karatsev, having been two sets to the good, and since then the Canadian’s best result has been a quarterfinal appearance in Acapulco. Unsurprisingly, he will be looking for more consistency heading into Roland Garros.
Denis Shapovalov, meanwhile, has made a solid start to the season, with the highlight being his run to the semifinals in Dubai. However Shapovalov lost there to Lloyd Harris in a match that he was dominating and should have won. The Canadian’s shot selection in the pressure moments is something that he needs to work on as well as his concentration. Still, his offensive game can make him almost unplayable and that was on full display during his opening win over Jeremy Chardy. This may well go to three sets, but expect Shapovalov to get the win.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
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David Goffin vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a match between two players with similar styles. The Briton recorded an impressive three-set win over the struggling Karen Khachanov in the second round after dismissing Salvatore Caruso in the first. He will surely be very confident in his game as a result and has picked up good wins against the likes of Grigor Dimitrov and Fabio Fognini in recent weeks. Norrie’s ability to utilize heavy topspin on his forehand can be used effectively during long exchanges from the back of the court.
That said, David Goffin won the ATP 250 event indoors in Marseille earlier this season and produced a strong performance in Monte Carlo last week, reaching the quarterfinals. His loss there to Dan Evans in three sets was doubtless disappointing, but Goffin bounced back in impressive fashion at the ATP Barcelona Open, dismissing Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2 6-4. This may still prove to be a close match, but expect Goffin’s return of serve to prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
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Corentin Moutet vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: first meeting
Corentin Moutet showcased his defensive skills in an epic three-set win over Monte Carlo semifinalist Evans. The left handed Frenchman was able to handle the world #26’s variety and despite not having much tennis under his belt this season, Moutet was able to show his undoubted potential to rise up the rankings. He certainly looks like he has the potential to get into the top 50 in the ATP Rankings.
Diego Schwartzman, in contrast, was nowhere near his best against Frances Tiafoe. But the American missed out on a chance to go a double break up in the second set and then failed to serve out the match. That proved to be costly, with Schwartzman rallying to take the match to a decider, which he proceeded to run away with. That served as a reminder that, despite a shaky start, Schwartzman is amongst the best clay-courters in the men’s game. That comeback win may well have galvanised him and he should have too much for Moutet.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
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Roberto Bautista Agut vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head: Sinner 2-0 Bautista Agut
This is arguably the match of day four at the ATP Barcelona Open. It is certainly a surprise that it is not on Pista Rafa Nadal. After falling foul of a strong performance from Novak Djokovic last week in the second round in Monte Carlo, Jannik Sinner was playing something close to his best tennis in his opener in Barcelona. The Italian had far too much for Egor Gerasimov in the opening round. His next challenge will be Roberto Bautista Agut.
The Italian defeated Bautista Agut in a thrilling semifinal at the ATP Miami Open and may well like his chances of scoring another win at the former-Wimbledon semfinalist’s expense. Particularly because Bautista Agut was not at his best in his Barcelona opener up against fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar. But, he was able to play his way into the match and ended up dominating after winning a hard-fought first set. Still clay is not Bautista Agut’s best surface and the Italian is the man in form. Expect Sinner to get the win.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
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