Defending champion Casper Ruud is kicking off his campaign at the 2024 ATP Estoril Open against Botic van de Zandschulp. While he might not be in the best form of his life right now, the Dutchman has actually troubled 3-time Grand Slam finalist many times in the past. Who do you think will win? We also look at the rest of Thursday’s schedule in a separate article.
ATP Estoril Day 4 Predictions
Pedro Martinez vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: Martinez 1-0
Roberto Bautista Agut can use any win right now if he wants to stick around the Top 100, so beating last year’s runner-up Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round was crucial for him. Is Pedro Martinez going to prove a tougher challenge? Maybe. Just last week the younger of the Spaniards claimed the title in Girona and should be very high on confidence at the moment. He might have a better shot at hitting through Bautista Agut than Kecmanovic did with his more sustained aggression.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Arthur Fils vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Arthur Fils had a horrible time in South America earlier this year, but back in Europe he should be dangerous on the clay again. In the opening round this week he ended the career of Joao Sousa and while it wasn’t a perfect match from him, he certainly seems like a player who could even win the whole thing if he catches good rhythm. Cristian Garin is relatively tricky but at the moment doesn’t seem to have the same intensity as a few years back.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Richard Gasquet vs Dominic Thiem
Head-to-head: Thiem 3-2
Richard Gasquet was limping around the court in his final qualifying round against Lucas Pouille, but was very fortunate to get a lucky loser spot directly into the second round. Maybe these few days of rest will allow him to recover, but he’s had a noticeable physical decline this year. Dominic Thiem still hasn’t regained his pre-injury forehand and maybe never will. In this match he might not need it though as it seems that sticking with Gasquet for about two hours should also be a path to victory.
Prediction: Thiem in 3
Casper Ruud vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: van de Zandschulp 3-2
When Casper Ruud came to Estoril last year, he was desperate to return to form and managed to do just that by winning the title. This time he’s moreso seeking a continuation of what he’s been doing so far this year with plenty of solid results under his belt. Botic van de Zandschulp leads him 3-2 in the head-to-head, including one win on clay. Is that relevant for their match on Thursday? Probably not and you’d expect the Norwegian to power through anyway.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
