Time to wrap up the second round of the 2024 Libema Open. Top seed Alex de Minaur and top seed Tommy Paul will be kicking off their Den Bosch campaigns, while former Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic tries to keep the comeback magic going. Who do you think will make the quarterfinals?
ATP Den Bosch Day 4 Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Everyone remembers Sebastian Korda making the semifinals at Queen’s last year, declaring himself one of the favorites for Wimbledon (which seemed right at the time), then losing in the opening round of the biggest grass-court event. This surface still suits his game so well, but he needs to avoid inexplicable losses like that. The performance against Tristan Schoolkate wasn’t anything special, but it was good enough. Korda’s better than Luca Nardi on grass and should show it.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Alexei Popyrin vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: Paul 2-1 Popyrin
Alexei Popyrin’s grass records over the years haven’t been that impressive, but he’s done well to beat last year’s semifinalist Rinky Hijikata in the opening round. Beating such a solid player and capable returner as Tommy Paul would be a step up, but it’s definitely not beyond the Australian’s reach. The 24-year-old has the weaponry to make this a really tough outing for the No. 2 seed. He can’t quite be called the favorite in this one though.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Milos Raonic
Head-to-head: Raonic 5-0 Bautista Agut
It’s always the same story with Milos Raonic as he looks great for a match or two right after he returns and then inevitably suffers another injury health setback. Beating Jordan Thompson right off the bat was pretty amazing though, especially considering it was the Australian who took him out of this event last year. His last meeting with Roberto Bautista Agut came back in 2017, so the dominance over this matchup feels irrelevant. But if Raonic can stay fit, he’s still the favorite over the fellow veteran.
Prediction: Raonic in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: first meeting
Alex de Minaur has put himself in a great position to fight for a spot at the ATP Finals and the grass season is usually one of his favorite hunting grounds. Especially now that the Australian is playing with so much aggression and can make his way to the net without much trouble. Zizou Bergs has finally made it to the top 100 and he will be winning matches on the main tour, but beating players of de Minaur’s quality might not be something he’ll produce left and right. He’s got a nice grass game though, the Australian has to be ready.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Main photo credit: Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]
