We wrap up the second round of the Tokyo Olympics Men’s Singles tournament on Day 4. Eight more men will lock up their spots in the last 16. Who do you think will move on? Our writers share their thoughts. Predicting this set of matches is Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Anurag Sahay. We also predict the day’s other four matches in a separate article.
Tokyo Olympics Day 4 Men’s Predictions
Ilya Ivashka vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Anurag:
Ivashka produced a much expected upset in the first round against the struggling Monfils, but he is still the better player and is capable of doing a lot more than Kukushkin, who has also struggled in the last few years. Kukushkin will not be able to come up with an upset-worthy performance.
Prediction: Ivashka in 2
Damian:
Kukushkin is having a dreadful season and got the rare win over clay-court specialist Federico Coria. Ivashka has been on fire recently and has the repertoire of weapons to dominate against a struggling opponent.
Prediction: Ivashka in 2
Jim:
Both players took advantage of good draws to reach the second round, but it was Ivashka who looked more impressive, battling past Gael Monfils in three sets. If the Belarusian can once again combine his power with accuracy, he should be able to get past Kukushkin, who is not the force he once was.
Prediction: Ivashka in 3
Jeremy Chardy vs Aslan Karatsev
Anurag:
The Frenchman is not one of those clay-courters who tend to be vulnerable on other surfaces. If his performances during the hard courts season early this year are any indicator, Chardy is a real threat to Karatsev. Karatsev, on the other hand, has created quite a stir in the last 12 months and he will be carrying the weight of expectations, particularly because this is the Olympics. Pressure is on the Russian but I would still expect him to edge past.
Prediction: Karatsev in 2
Damian:
Karatsev’s best results this year came on hard courts and while he hasn’t played on them in a while, his win over Tommy Paul had signs of the same old ruthless Russian beast. Chardy’s a step up in quality but not by this much.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Jim:
Chardy may have won both of his previous encounters with Karatsev in straight sets, including just a few weeks ago in the first round at Wimbledon, but that does not necessarily mean this will be straightforward for the Frenchman. Karatsev has been in excellent form on hard courts all year and if he plays as well as he did in the first round, he should have too much for Chardy.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Liam Broady vs Hubert Hurkacz
Anurag:
The Pole is riding high on confidence following a dream season. He was imperious during the hard court swing and had a career-changing run at Wimbledon. He is a strong contender for a podium finish. No disrespect for Broady, but this is not a match of equals.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Damian:
Marton Fucsovics’s withdrawal changed a rough draw for Hurkacz to a very comfortable one. There’s just not that much that Broady can do to get on him on the back foot and the Pole should smoothly sail to the next round. Serve difference will be huge too.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Jim:
Broady is one of several players to have taken advantage of a relatively weak draw, with the Briton beating Argentine clay-court specialist Francisco Cerundolo in the first round. But Hurkacz is a completely different proposition. This should be a comfortable day at the office for the Pole.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Marcos Giron vs Kei Nishikori
Anurag:
The former World #4 and local favorite has been through a chaotic few seasons with a lot of ups and downs. It was nice to see him play if his best tennis when it mattered the most as he upset the in-form Rublev. Now, Nishikori has an easier matchup with the American, but expect him to drop a set. Giron is not decent on hard courts. So, Nishikori has a real good opportunity to move a step closer to the Gold.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Damian:
A Bronze Medalist last time, Nishikori had an inspired performance to take out Rublev in the opening round. It looks like home soil and playing for his country in a more direct way brings out the best in Nishikori, and that means trouble for Giron.
Prediction: Nishikori in 2
Jim:
Nishikori was exceptional in the first round, rolling back the years to beat Andrey Rublev in straight sets. His reward for taking out the Russian is that he now finds himself in a relatively open section of the draw. Expect him to take advantage of that at Giron’s expense.
Prediction: Nishikori in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
