The remaining second-round matches will be played on Day 4 at the ATP BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm, Sweden. Top seed Andrey Rublev, and former champion and two-time runner-up Grigor Dimitrov will be in action. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the schedule for Thursday. But which players will advance to the quarterfinals?
ATP Stockholm Day 4 Predictions
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-Head: Kecmanovic 0-1 Jarry
Miomir Kecmanovic defeated Cameron Norrie for the first time in four meetings after a solid performance on serve. He will face another player he has never defeated, and I like his chances to do so. Nicolas Jarry got a much-needed win in the first round against home favourite Elias Ymer. However, it was far from a solid performance, as the Chilean player hit 54 unforced errors. Kecmanovic looks more solid right now.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Grigor Dimitrov is making his 10th appearance at the Stockholm Open and it has been one of his best tournaments. In nine previous appearances, Dimitrov has made the quarterfinals or better in six of them. The quick indoor courts suit his aggressive game and backhand slice. But he has a tricky opener against Quentin Halys, who was dominant behind his serve in the first round and will be extremely tough to break on these courts. However, Halys hasn’t won many matches on the ATP tour this year and that’s where Dimitrov has the advantage if it goes to tiebreaks.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Stan Wawrinka produced a vintage performance to get his biggest win of the year. Wawrinka showed some good level last week in Shanghai and with this impressive win, he seems to be back in form. Wawrinka’s serve has been the key highlight in his last three matches and he will fancy his chances against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is not in the best form and is struggling for consistency. Wawrinka has not won consecutive matches all year and I think he will do it on Thursday.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-Head: Rublev 0-1 Muller
Andrey Rublev is making his debut at the Nordic Open and will face Alexandre Muller, who defeated him at the Rome Masters this year. Rublev will look to take revenge and these fast courts will help his flat ball-striking. Muller plays similarly but lacks Rublev’s control. Rublev also has a better first serve at his disposal, although the second serve can be predictable and Muller will look to pounce on it. I like Muller’s chances to make this tough for the top seed but I don’t see him winning.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
