The clay court season is almost fully underway as the ATP Houston Open 2024 kicks off, with Houston serving as one of the non European clay court venues this week. Round of 16 promises to be action packed and as ever we preview and predict all four matches scheduled for you.
ATP Houston Day 4 Predictions
Michael Mmoh vs Max Purcell
Head to head – First Meeting
Neither player enters this match in particularly good form. Michael Mmoh’s game style should suit the slower courts and he is a fantastic mover around the court and this week could give us an indication of where his game is at. Max Purcell is seeded eighth here but he struggled in his first round encounter. Expect Mmoh to just sneak through in this one.
Prediction: Mmoh in 3
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Jordan Thompson
Head to head – Kovacevic 1-1 Thompson
The young 25-year-old Aleksandar Kovacevic is ranked in the top 100 now and while he is an exciting talent, his backhand will need some work as players target his one hander to good effect. He takes on Jordan Thompson who did lose to Kovacevic earlier this year, but the Aussie should be favored on the slower clay courts where the serve is not a huge differentiator.
Prediction: Thompson in 2
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head to head – Etcheverry 2-0 Galan
The tall Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry will be happy to be back on the clay courts as he is a pretty tough player to beat on this surface once he finds his game. Daniel Elahi Galan has done well to get the better of Benoit Paire in his first round and while the Argentine may be a little rusty, expect Etcheverry to quickly find his feet.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
James Duckworth vs Frances Tiafoe
Head to head – Duckworth 1-1 Tiafoe
Frances Tiafoe has to disappointed in how his 2024 season has gone. He stands at a 7-7 win loss record for the year but the good thing is a lot of 2024 is still left which gives him time to turn things around. James Duckworth himself hasn’t quite been at his best this year but the Aussie will sense Tiafoe’s lack of confidence and should capitalise on that.
Prediction: Duckworth in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
