Day 4 of the ATP Queen’s Club Championships is upon us, and we’re in for an incredible day of tennis. Fascinating match-ups are happening across the day’s play, with home favourite Andy Murray facing a tough task in top seed Matteo Berrettini. Dan Evans is also in action, and the Brits are making a great showing this week. We will be making our predictions on who will be heading through to the next round on what promises to be a thrilling day.
ATP Queen’s Club Championships Day 4 Predictions
Dan Evans vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Evans 1 – 1 Mannarino
Both players did a good job of getting through their opening rounds in straight sets. Dan Evans more so, as he was faced with an excellent young opponent, and his great year is transitioning well to the grass. Mannarino looked as classy as ever against Liam Broady, and his fluid game from the back of the court will be an interesting counter to Evans’ game. Mannarino won their only encounter on grass back in 2018 at this tournament in three sets, but Evans has really improved since then.
Dan Evans will certainly go in as the favourite. His ability to play so well at the net combined with his ever increasing skills at the back of the court can make him a nightmare for anyone. Mannarino can throw players off his game very well, but Evans’ versatility as well as his excellent serve should be too strong. Expect Evans to win here in a good contest.
Prediction: Evans in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Viktor Troicki
Head-to-head: Troicki 1 – 0 Tiafoe
Viktor Troicki came up with a great upset over Lorenzo Sonego, winning in straight sets. Troicki has struggled for form and consistency at the top of the men’s game recently, but it’s looking some of this is returning. Frances Tiafoe came through a tough battle with Aljaz Bedene, and his good form on the grass continues. This makes for an interesting encounter. Troicki did win their only encounter so far, but this was back in 2015 at the US Open, where Tiafoe was just 17.
Tiafoe certainly has the weapons to hurt Troicki, and the Serb is still not the player he once was. The young American’s confidence is growing as he is rediscovering some of his best tennis, so he should really win this. Troicki does have weapons to hurt Tiafoe, but it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to execute them enough to win this. Tiafoe should take this one, but it will be close.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Feliciano Lopez
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1 -0 Lopez
Undoubtedly one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament so far. Shapovalov struggled in the second of his first round encounter with Vukic, but managed to cross the finishing line in straight sets. Shapovalov has the game to be a real star on this surface, and this is a week he’ll be aiming to make a solid run at. He also won the first and only meeting between these two, which came in Stuttgart last week.
Feliciano Lopez is the defending champion of this tournament and always manages to bring his best tennis to London. He’s proven to be very difficult to beat with his incredible serve and net game. With both players being left handed and playing well on the grass, this match will be fascinating. It’s more than likely to go the distance, and there really isn’t a clear winner. Shapovalov may just take it though, as he seems to be the fresher of the two and age is certainly on his side if it gets close in a final set.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Andy Murray vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-head: Murray 1 – 0 Berrettini
Andy Murray enjoyed a triumphant return to grass on Tuesday when he defeated Benoit Paire in straight sets. He looked much rejuvenated and played some classic shots that so many fans have come to expect from the three-time Grand Slam champion. It’s definitely a huge excitement to have him back playing great tennis, but he’s now up against the top seed Berrettini, who is a monster when playing well. The Italian didn’t look too convincing in his first round, but he no doubt be more solid here.
Berrettini relies almost entirely on his power game, and when he’s hitting his spots he can be very tough to beat. Murray’s fitness issues mean that his movement isn’t what it used to be, so it won’t be easy for the Brit to deal with this power for the whole match. Murray’s defence and willingness to chase down every ball will serve him well here, but it may not be enough. Expect a very tight battle here which either player can win, but the Italian should take this one.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
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