The ATP Srpska Open in Banja Luka has had a few delays but for Day 3 we’re predicting the round of 16 matches due to go ahead. We have a high-ranking encounter between Laslo Djere and Borna Coric, what promises to be a great match between Alexei Popyrin and Alex Molcan and question marks over Novak Djokovic against young hot shot Luca Van Assche.
ATP Banja Luka Day 4 Predictions
Laslo Djere vs Borna Coric
Head-to-head: Djere 2-1 Coric
The Borna Coric we saw win the Cincinnati Masters has gone missing. There have been hints of some form here and there but it’s a far cry from the Isner-like serves that took him to a first Masters title.
Laslo Djere should absolutely take advantage. Coric isn’t as comfortable on the surface where forehands dominate and Djere is extremely tough to breakdown, particularly at a close-to-home clay event. This is an easy pick for us.
Prediction: Djere in 2.
Alexei Popyrin vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both Alex Molcan and Alexei Popyrin scored great wins against form players so could both be considered to be in fine fickle. This is the most wonderful time of the year for Molcan–he has a phenomenal record on this surface with his repeatable, ferocious lefty strokes.
Popyrin is just getting started this year and will be up for the fight. Molcan’s ability to expose the slight backhand weakness of the Aussie will be a key difference, however.
Prediction: Molcan in 3.
Novak Djokovic vs Luca Van Assche
Head-to-head: First meeting
Looks like Luca Van Assche’s back-to-back Challenger titles were no fluke. The Frenchman is certainly a talent, showcasing his fiery game in a high-quality encounter with Stan Wawrinka.
It really comes down to how the World #1 is playing, of course. He has historically taken a while to get going during the clay season and, with a potential elbow injury threatening, his form is looking very ropey. He’ll probably find a way against the inexperienced 18-year-old but there will be plenty of scares along the way.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
