Italy takes on France, while Germany is due to face the United States on Day 4, Tuesday afternoon at the 2022 ATP Cup. Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz gave us a couple of fascinating matches last year (Wimbledon and Indian Wells); can they produce a third classic?
ATP Cup Day 4 Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: 1-1
It’s a match-up that looks very exciting on paper, particularly after Arthur Rinderknech defeated Jannik Sinner in Lyon last year. However, the performances they put up to open their 2022 ATP Cup campaigns were extremely polarizing. The Italian had little trouble dispatching Max Purcell, while his rival’s game fell apart completely in sets two and three of a loss to Russia’s Roman Safiullin. The best version of Rinderknech can provide a tough challenger for the youngster, but his level would have to improve drastically to have a shot in this match.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Matteo Berrettini vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: 1-1
Ugo Humbert scored a stunning upset over Daniil Medvedev to kick off his season, while Matteo Berrettini lost to the home crowd favorite, Alex de Minaur. The Italian was quite sharp though and one probably shouldn’t come to conclusions early based on that match. Berrettini seems to have a better matchup against Humbert, one where his power might be the most important factor. It’s a tough call though as the Frenchman will be very high on confidence following a win over the World No. 2.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Jan-Lennard Struff vs John Isner
Head-to-head: Isner 4-0
The head-to-head looks very lopsided at first glance, but it wasn’t really that comfortable. Just like usually between two great servers, it’s been coming down to a few points here of there. It seems like this could be a golden chance for Jan-Lennard Struff to finally win one over John Isner. The American’s baseline game hasn’t been looking great in a while now and even his serving seemed a little slower in his opening match against Brayden Schnur. Struff will make it a lot more competitive and potentially exact revenge for the four previous losses.
Prediction: Struff in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Zverev 3-2
The pair traded their 2022 meetings and should be expected to provide another entertaining battle here. Taylor Fritz has covered some of the holes in his game and can now be perceived as someone who can ascend to greater heights this year. His aggressive baselining has done damage to Alexander Zverev in the past and he can more than keep up with the German in the serving department. The issue is that the World No. 3 looked great against Cameron Norrie and seems to have not lost much off his ATP Finals winning form. Fritz can have a shot, but it would need to be another breathtaking performance.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
