The 2021 ATP Halle Open has heated up quite nicely after half of the eight Round of 16 matches were completed. Roger Federer was the big name to fall, but we have plenty of other contenders hoping to get much needed confidence before Wimbledon. We preview and predict all four remaining Round of 16 matches scheduled.
ATP Halle Open Day 4 Predictions
Lloyd Harris vs Lucas Lacko
Head to head – First Meeting
Both of these men will be relishing the opportunity to make it to the last eight and what a surprise it’ll be to see either of these two players fight for the trophy. Lucas Lacko played a great third set against a tricky opponent in Guido Pella and thoroughly deserved the win. That being said, Lloyd Harris is an entirely different cup of tea in terms of ball striking and movement on the court.
Harris played a solid match to dispatch the eighth seed Gael Monfils in straight sets. The South African is still searching for his maiden Tour-level title which one feels shouldn’t be too far away. Expect Harris to put up a show and go through to the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Harris in 2
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head to head – First Meeting
Arthur Rinderknech came through a tricky match against Yannick Hanfmann who has at times played the role of a dangerous floater. While the Frenchman will be pleased with the straight sets outcome, there’s not a lot that suggests he can out hit Nikoloz Basilashvili. The Georgian is one of the heaviest ball strikers on tour.
Rinderknech will have to rely on other tactics than just rallying from the baseline and while the Frenchman is certainly capable, Basilashvili should be good enough to thwart them and move ahead.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Kei Nishikori
Head to head – First Meeting
Should be the match of the day. The consistent Kei Nishikori up against an aggressive Sebastian Korda. The Japanese overcame a tough opening round match against Ricardas Berankis and can ill afford to offer up opportunities to Korda to take the lead. The American serve big and plays an envious brand of first strike tennis.
Nishikori will be looking to elongate the rallies since he’s adept at controlling the longer rallies well. Korda”s game suits shorter rallies and hence this’ll turn out to be an exciting watch as to who wrestles control. Expect a tight three-setter with the confident Korda just edging this one barely.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Alexander Zverev
Head to head – First Meeting
Both players had similar routes so far, with Ugo Humbert surviving a tight three setter with Sam Querrey and Alexander Zverev squashed an inspired comeback by Dominik Koepfer. Humbert loves playing on faster courts and his game speaks for itself the way he’s able to attack and close out at the net. Zverev on the other hand, a solid baseliner but not very keen on coming forward.
Humbert has all the weapons in his arsenal to keep this match a close contest throughout and should rightly do so. That being said, Zverev is a formidable force in best of three on any surface and should progress through to the last eight.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
