Eight exciting round of 16 ATP Paris matches are scheduled for Day 4. Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz must manage a home crowd when he battles the Frenchman Ugo Humbert. We at LWOT predict all the matches in two articles, including Alexander Zverev vs Arthur Fils. But which players do you think will progress to the quarterfinals?
ATP Paris Day 4 Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: de Minaur 3-1 Draper
Draper’s outstanding recent form continued with a victory in the last round against US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz. The Briton also defeated de Minaur in their last meeting at the US Open, although an injury issue hampered the Australian in that match. Despite Draper possessing the greater firepower, the fast courts at this year’s tournament in Paris might suit de Minaur slightly more. He redirects pace masterfully and could be the ideal player to end Draper’s run.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 1-0 Rune
Last year’s runner-up, Dimitrov, won a very tight battle against Tomas Martin Etcheverry to reach this stage. Home favorite Rinderknech is more likely to try to frustrate the Bulgarian, contrasting with Etcheverry’s aggression. That approach has often worked against Dimitrov in the past, but the 33-year-old’s improved mentality in the last 18 months should help him handle Rinderknech and the atmosphere.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Holger Rune vs Arthur Cazaux
Head-to-head: Rune 1-0 Cazaux
Cazaux thrilled the French fans with a superb victory and performance against Ben Shelton. He will take additional confidence from beating Rune at the Australian Open at the start of the year. However, Rune may be a dark horse for the title in the Paris Masters. The 2022 champion has slipped under the radar after an underwhelming year, but he played well in his opening matches and could put together a late run before the season ends.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 2-0 Humbert
Alcaraz defeated Humbert easily on an indoor hardcourt in September at the Davis Cup and also triumphed against him at Wimbledon in July. Humbert will need to rely on his serve in the fast conditions in Paris, and hope for some lapses in concentration from the Spaniard. But Alcaraz spoke before and after his opening win against Nicolas Jarry about feeling more confident than in previous years at the event and will likely progress.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
