The ATP Tel Aviv Open is up and running with the top players set to play in what promises to be an exciting day of tennis. Round of 16 action is set to conclude with three of the top five seeds in action. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all five scheduled Round of 16 matches for you.
ATP Tel Aviv Day 4 Predictions
Edan Leshem vs Vasek Pospisil
Head to head – First Meeting
Neither player has had a good year so far in singles but both have done exceedingly well to qualify for the singles main draw. Edan Leshem looks motivated in his home country tournament while Vasek Pospisil did take out the eighth seed in three sets. All in all, it looks like an even match throughout with the Canadian banking on his big serve to serve him out of trouble.
Prediction: Pospisil in 3
Constant Lestienne vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head to head – First Meeting
Constant Lestienne enjoyed a solid win over fellow countryman Adrian Mannarino in straight sets and the 30 year old looks in decent nick. That being said, Emil Ruusuvuori is young, talented, and with his envious ball striking, the Finn should thwart any chances the Frenchman might feel he has. Expect Ruusuvuori to be aggressive and take time away from Lestienne.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 2
Liam Broady vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head to head – First Meeting
Botic van de Zandschulp has had a decent year thus far in 2022 and he should feel good about making a deep run here in Tel Aviv. The Dutchman should certainly enjoy the quick courts with his aggressive game style complementing the conditions well. Liam Broady is yet to beat a quality opponent this year and it doesn’t look likely he’ll be starting here.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 2
Arthur Rinderknech vs Diego Schwartzman
Head to head – First Meeting
Diego Schwartzman got blitzed in his recent Laver Cup singles match but he should feel he has a decent chance of getting a chunk of ranking points this week. Arthur Rinderknech is a tricky first round opponent but the Argentine once settled should be able to elongate the baseline rallies and draw out errors regularly from the Frenchman.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Pablo Andujar
Head to head – Djokovic 2-0 Andujar
Novak Djokovic is eager to return on the main tour and his quest to collect as many ranking points begins now for the remainder of the 2022 season. He’s beaten Pablo Andujar on both occasions they have played before and they now meet for the third time after more than ten years. Andujar has played a lot of years on the tour but he now takes on a player who has a wealth of experience as well. Expect the Serb, barring any wrist niggles, to make a strong start here.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
