Six second-round matches are scheduled on Day 4 of the ATP 500 tournament in Basel, and all the top seeds will be in action. This article features the #1 seed, Taylor Fritz, who won a thriller against Valentin Vacherot in the first round. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
ATP Basel Day 4 Predictions
Reilly Opelka vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-Head: Opelka 1-1 Zandschulp
These two have already played each other in the qualifiers of this tournament, where Reilly Opelka won in straight sets. Botic van de Zandschulp would be more confident this time, as he got a great win over Jiri Lehecka in the first round. There wasn’t much difference when these two met earlier this week, except for the second serve points, which van de Zandschulp struggled with. I am expecting him to do a better job this time around and get his revenge.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-Head: Auger-Aliassime 2-3 Cilic
Felix Auger-Aliassime passed another tough test as he defeated his compatriot Gabriel Diallo in straight sets. He didn’t let Diallo settle behind the second serve, and that would be a tactic against Marin Cilic, who defeated David Goffin for a second time this week. Cilic is as dangerous as anyone on these quick courts, but Auger-Aliassime is more consistent and is full of confidence right now. I can see Cilic winning a set, but going with the Canadian player to win the match.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-Head: Fritz 2-0 Humbert
Taylor Fritz put an end to Valentin Vacherot’s nine-match win streak as he came back from a set down to win a thriller. Fritz started slowly but got better in the second and third sets. Ugo Humbert is finding his best tennis once again during his favourite part of the season, and he can be a threat for the title if he can play at his best. Fritz might have to dig deep again in this one, but I trust him more if it goes the distance.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
