The all important ATP 500 series is underway with many eyes fixated on Halle, Germany. Round of 16 action is set to conclude on Day 4 with high octane clashes on the cards. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all four scheduled matches for you.
ATP Halle Day 4 Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head – Berretini 1-0 Giron
Both players lost to the eventual champion in Stuttgart last week but Matteo Berrettini did so in the final. The Italian should be mightily pleased with the way he competed last week after a lengthy gap and while Marcos Giron did beat him in their lone previous meeting, it was almost four years ago. Expect Berrettini to keep playing well here on his most successful surface.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head – Struff 3-4 Tsitsipas
Easily the match of the day for all who have been following their previous matches. These two have produced quality tennis in their previous seven matchups and their first meeting on grass should be a cracker. This is Stefanos Tsitsipas’ first tournament on grass and he fought well in his first round match which was true for Jan-Lennard Struff as well who won in a third set tiebreaker. Expect a pretty even contest but with the German serving bigger and if he stays aggressive throughout, the home favourite should progress here.
Prediction: Struff in 3
James Duckworth vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head – Duckworth 0-1 Hurkacz
James Duckworth has already got a lot of match practice on grass this year by playing in the qualifiers on his way to last eight in Stuttgart and here in Halle. However, he takes on Hubert Hurkacz who is pretty adept at playing on grass courts and has a great game for this surface. The Pole was in decent nick in his first round and expect him to progress to the last eight in a hurry.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Fabian Marozsan vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head – First Meeting
The newly minted World no. 1 is playing his first tournament post reaching the top position and he has made a fast start in his campaign towards a first Wimbledon title. He takes on Fabian Marozsan who is a fairly heavy ball striker from the baseline but the Hungarian is likely to struggle against the consistent heavy barrage from the Italian. Expect two close sets with Sinner moving ahead.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
