Top-seeded Andrey Rublev was in trouble in his ATP Washington opener but ended up fighting back against Luca Van Assche. He now faces another Frenchman in last week’s Atlanta semifinalist, Arthur Rinderknech. Having defeated him at the US Open last year, can Rublev take down Rinderknech again in the North American hardcourt swing?
ATP Washington Day 4 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 1-0
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was in trouble against Mitchell Krueger in the second round, but managed to fight back from a break down in the decider with the American lacking a bit of punch to get over the line. Someone who’s got that in abundance right now is Flavio Cobolli, who’s going after his forehand like never before. Davidovich Fokina will need to step it up quickly, and given how this entire season has gone for him, it might not be easy for him to do so.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
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Alex Michelsen vs Seong-chan Hong
Head-to-head: Michelsen 2-0
What a run it’s been already for Seong-chan Hong, especially the win over World No. 21 Karen Khachanov. The South Korean will join the army for the mandatory 18 months at the end of this season and has been playing more freely this year, leading to some of his best results. He will make Alex Michelsen create the game a bit more than Mattia Bellucci did in the last round. Still, the American should probably end this cinderella run and have too much quality anyway.
Prediction: Michelsen in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: Korda 2-0
Thanasi Kokkinakis, once again, is on the verge of exiting the Top 100, but this third-round run should already help him a lot. The Australian defeated two countrymen to get to this stage and will now take on Sebastian Korda. This might be a bit of a tight affair, with the No. 4 seed pretty often not delivering when he’s expected to. But his performance against Cristian Garin was good enough that he’s looking like one of the tournament favorites, and Kokkinakis rarely plays three excellent matches in a row.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Rublev 1-0
Andrey Rublev is just a little less sharp and clinical this year, losing that aura of invincibility that he used to possess, especially in matches against lower-ranked opponents. Now, a fair few players have produced upsets against him of late, and Arthur Rinderknech has the weaponry to challenge him as well. But maybe the Frenchman’s game is a little too basic to throw off Rublev, who tuned in his power-hitting to dispatch Luca Van Assche from a set down in the opening round.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
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Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
