As the time ticks down towards the start of the US Open, this week’s Winston-Salem Open is the final chance for ATP players to find some form before the year’s final Grand Slam. As Tuesday sees the tournament progress into the round of 32, here is how some of today’s biggest contests are lining up. Who do you think will win?
ATP Winston-Salem Day 3 Predictions
Ilya Ivashka vs Peter Gojowczyk
Head-to-head: Gojowczyk 1-0
It’s the German who has the head-to-head lead, but everything points towards a Ivashka win here. The powerful #11 seed has showed flashes of promise on the US hard court swing, including a semi-final run in Atlanta a few weeks ago, which ended in three sets to Alex de Minaur. Gojowczyk has been in dreadful form this year, with just three wins to his name on the Tour level. He boasts some impressive firepower himself on his day, but it hasn’t been his day much recently.
Prediction: Ivashka in 2
Laslo Djere vs Joao Sousa
Head-to-head: First meeting
A big scalp for Laslo Djere in the opening round as he felled David Goffin in three sets, and in humid conditions to boot. The Slovenian is a superb talent, and fans may remember his exhilarating contest against Nick Kyrgios on the grass courts of Mallorca. Finding consistency is not a strong point though, and that is where – normally – Sousa shines. The Portuguese #16 seed has made a career out of his hypnotic consistency, but he is struggling for form and fitness right now after withdrawing from Cincinnati last week. Djere has the hot hand, and should be favoured here.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs John Millman
Head-to-head: 1-0 Millman
The sole meeting between the pair happened at this event all the way back in 2016. Make of that what you will, but it’s the Spaniard who comes here with an edge in form. Yes, he lost in the opening round last week, but recent wins over Goffin (him again) and Diego Schwartzman are evidence that his clay court strengths are carrying over to the American hard-court swing. Both men have similar all-court styles, with neither boasting big weapons, and as such it’s hard to pick any other decisive factor other than recent form. For that reason, I’m gong with Ramos-Vinolas in a close one.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: First meeting (though Griekspoor won their Challengers final last year)
A duel of two Dutchmen, with van de Zandschulp coming here as the #2 seed and with ambitions of cracking the world’s Top 20. Tennis hawks may recognise Griekspoor as something of a Challengers king, as he won eight events at that level last year, including a staggering five in October and November alone. While that winning habit has not–obviously–translated to the main Tour, his rank of #46 shows he is certainly no slouch. Will he have enough to take down his compatriot? Van de Zandschulp is one of the most intriguing prospects on the tour, with his slick movement, effortless power and unconventional technique marking him out. His game translates very well on hard courts, and he could well win the whole thing.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
