The second round of the ATP Astana Open will be wrapped up on Thursday. A number of star names are set to take to the court, including three Grand Slam champions, and there should be plenty of excellent tennis for the fans in Kazakhstan. But who will secure their spot in the quarterfinals?
ATP Astana Day 4 Predictions
Marin Cilic vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Cilic 3-2 Khachanov
Karen Khachanov leads their head-to-head series 2-1 in 2022, but it was Marin Cilic who won their only previous indoor encounter in Saint Petersburg a year ago 2021. It’s an exciting match with the Croatian coming off a runner-up appearance in Tel Aviv, though he did struggle at times in the opening round against Germany’s Oscar Otte. Khachanov beat Maxime Cressy in his first match since making the semifinal at the US Open. Expect a close encounter, but even on a relatively slow court, the indoor conditions should favour Cilic ever so slightly.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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Hubert Hurkacz vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-1 Bublik
Hubert Hurkacz had no issues dispatching Alexander Bublik in Dubai earlier this year, but lost their other hard court meeting to him at that very same venue. As usual, a lot depends on the Kazakh’s mental stability and how invested he’ll be in this one. If Bublik’s at his best, this could end up being a straight-up serve-fest with both players being extremely tough to break. Hurkacz should have an edge off the ground though and he has the quality to press home that advantage.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
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Daniil Medvedev vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head-to-head: first meeting
Is Daniil Medvedev in a slump? Sort of. He most certainly hasn’t been at his best since choking a two-set lead in the Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal. He still goes deep in most events though, unless he draws someone like Nick Kyrgios (Montreal and New York) or an inspired Stan Wawrinka (Metz). This gives Emil Ruusuvuori an outside chance for an upset, but his game doesn’t match up well against someone like Medvedev. He’s got the firepower, but will likely end up being a bit too loose with his groundstrokes to hit through such an excellent defender.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
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Novak Djokovic vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: first meeting
Novak Djokovic isn’t slowing down after the title in Tel Aviv as he hunts for a second straight title in his bid to reach the ATP Finals. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was in business mode against Cristian Garin in the opening round, taking him out in 61 minutes. Going for back-to-back titles can often be tough, but the Serbian is well-rested and extremely motivated to make his results count after missing the US Open and not getting points for his Wimbledon win. Botic van de Zandschulp has a great, very complete game, but if Djokovic is in this kind of form, the Dutchman doesn’t quite have the upside to live with him him.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
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