Reading through the Day 4 order of play of the ATP Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, you just can’t believe the amount of the goods. On Wednesday, the top billing will surely be Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on Sebastian Korda in their first-ever encounter. Who do you think will come out on top?
As always, we predict all of the matches, split between four articles. The other three feature Hubert Hurkacz vs Andy Murray, Karen Khachanov vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Daniil Medvedev vs Mackenzie McDonald.
ATP Cincinnati Day 4 Predictions
Alexander Bublik vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: Bublik 2-0
Alexander Bublik won this one in straight sets at Wimbledon, although two of them ended in tie-breaks. This encounter should be very serve-based once again and likely to come down to the brink. Cincinnati has been perhaps Grigor Dimitrov’s best event on the ATP Tour and even when the 2017 champion isn’t in great shape, this place often brings out the best in his game. Such was the case in his opener against Roberto Bautista Agut and it could very well happen again here.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Lloyd Harris vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev 1-0
There is a slight degree of uncertainty about Alexander Zverev’s level, but from a mental standpoint winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics could allow him to find yet another gear. He’s definitely on slight upset alert here, though, as Lloyd Harris has been just sublime in high-profile matches this year. The South African owns a 4-0 win/loss record against top 20 opposition on hard courts this year, taking out Rafael Nadal or Dominic Thiem. Zverev should be able to match him in terms of comfortably holding serve and ultimately make him play that one more ball enough to take the victory, but it might get ugly.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: First meeting
There are many exciting matches on Wednesday’s schedule but this is the true definition of a blockbuster. The first meeting between one of the already established NextGen players and one that’s just bursting onto the scene and taking names. As such, the exact dynamics of this matchup remain unknown, but Sebastian Korda might just be ready for a statement win like that. The American’s fast-paced game could be enough to keep Stefanos Tsitsipas on the back foot, where he’s not as dangerous. Korda might not have a serve like the Greek’s last week’s conqueror, Reilly Opelka, but his opponents’ lacking backhand return is an area he should heavily explore if he is to take home what would be the best win of his career.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
