Jack Draper will play for the first time since his outstanding triumph in Indian Wells on Saturday at the ATP Miami Open. He could face a challenging test against fellow young star Jakub Mensik. As always, we here at LWOT predict all the ATP action on the schedule, but which players do you expect to win?
ATP Miami Day 4 Predictions
Tomas Machac vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Machac 2-0 Arnaldi
Machac made his slightly greater firepower pay in both previous meetings with Arnaldi. The Italian’s forehand needs to work well in this matchup if he is to be successful. Machac retired from his opening match in Indian Wells but seems fit and ready to compete. If that is the case, the Czech will be confident of prevailing against Arnadli once again.
Prediction: Machac in 2
Jordan Thompson vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-head: Thompson 2-0 Mpetshi Perricard
Thompson won both matches against Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets. The Australian took care of his own service games well and was clinical when he got opportunities on his opponent’s massive serve. However, this is also just Thompson’s second match back from an injury. He cannot afford any lack of sharpness against Mpetshi Perricard since tight margins usually decide matches involving him. That could make the difference.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: Berrettini 1-0 Gaston
Surprisingly, Berrettini has never won a match at the Miami Open. While Gaston is mercrual and can play great tennis at his best, this is a great opportunity for the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up to get a first win in Florida. Gaston’s inability to get many free points on his serve makes it particularly hard for him to prevail in this matchup.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Jack Draper vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mensik’s talent is well known, but his recent form and results have been patchy. The 19-year-old will almost certainly need to play much better than in recent weeks to have a chance of overcoming Draper. Players sometimes struggle after memorable title runs like the one the Briton had in Indian Wells, but it will have been almost a week since that moment when this match begins. Draper should be rested enough mentally and physically to perform strongly again.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
