The ATP Monte Carlo 2024 edition signals the beginning of the European clay court Masters 1000 series. It is a jam-packed draw with almost all top players competing. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict matches scheduled for Day 4.
ATP Monte Carlo Day 4 Predictions
Ugo Humbert vs Zhizhen Zhang
Head to head – Humbert 1-0 Zhang
Ugo Humbert is having a decent 2024 season having already won two titles. The Frenchman is a solid player on the clay as well but hasn’t quite lit up the courts as he has on the hard courts. He takes on Zhizhen Zhang, who played a good match to win his first round. While not much will separate the two from the baseline, Humbert’s powerful serve should help him put his forehand into play a lot easier and that will prove crucial.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head to head – Bautista Agut 3-2 Hurkacz
Interestingly, in their previous five meetings, they have never met on the clay. Hubert Hurkacz would be feeling great after his win in Estoril last week and the tight first round win here should put him in a battle hardened state. He faces Roberto Bautista Agut, the veteran Spaniard who is showing he still has a few years left in him. Bautista Agut has done well to qualify but currently, the Pole looks too strong both on serve and from the baseline.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Sumit Nagal vs Holger Rune
Head to head – Nagal 0-1 Rune
Holger Rune will be happy to be back on the clay. The Dane has had a middling season by his standards and these next few months may make or break his 2024 campaign. He takes on the qualifier from India, Sumit Nagal who has impressed with his fighting tennis this week. Rune will be wary of Nagal but once he hits his groove, there looks to be a gap in the shot quality and the Dane should triumph.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Alexei Popyrin vs Andrey Rublev
Head to head – Popyrin 0-1 Rublev
This is an interesting match up. Andrey Rublev is a handful on clay but Alexei Popyrin strikes pretty big himself so the baseline rallies should be a treat to watch. The Australian generally doesn’t play his best on the clay which would easily be exploited by Rublev. Expect a tight match between the two with Popyrin starting strong but as Rublev finds his range, he should motor along quite nicely here this week.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
