Day 4 here at the Montreal Rogers Cup brings the top seed and the World No.2, Rafael Nadal, into action. The Spaniard will be looking to defend his title and win his fourth Rogers Cup title. Also in action on day three are Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov. But who will reach the quarterfinals?
ATP Montreal Rogers Cup Day 4
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Richard Gasquet
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut leads 3-1
Gasquet played extremely well to defeat the World No.6, Kei Nishikori. But can he reproduce that same level of intensity in less than 24 hours against one of the most in-form players right now?
Bautista Agut will most likely come out attacking and dictating rallies with his forehand. The experienced Frenchman will somehow need to find a way to counter that and play the match on his own terms.
It will be a tough match for both players, but the Spaniard should prevail in the end. It could be in two tight sets that eventually gets him through to the third round.
Prediction: Bautista-Agut in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-head: Zverev leads 2-1
Zverev will be looking for revenge as Basilashvili him out last week at his home tournament, the Hamburg German Open. However, it could be tough as the world No.7 did not look comfortable on court in his second-round match and constantly looked unhappy about the way he was playing. But nevertheless, he edged through Cameron Norrie in straight sets. The German will need to quickly fix everything that he was struggling with and not let the Georgian expose those weaknesses.
This will not be a straightforward match, and there will be up and down moments for both players. It will be about who can clinch the crucial points when it arises. A few points here and there could make the difference.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Garin was impressive in his straight-sets victory today against the former World.8, John Isner. The Chilean will be looking to advance to his first third round at a Masters event. However, the Washington finalist, Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to spoil the Chilean’s party, as the Russian himself has been playing well these past few months.
It could be a close match, as both players will be full of confidence with their game right now. But Medvedev is more likely to be the one that eventually comes through as his best results have come on the hard court swings.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Rafael Nadal vs Guido Pella
Head-to-head: Nadal leads 3-0
The Argentine is arguably one of the most improved and consistent players of the season, and just notched his 31st singles win of the season. But it will be a tough ask for Pella to cause a major upset here in the third round of the Montreal Rogers Cup. The left-handed Argentine has yet to take a set off the Spaniard, with their most recent meeting a few months ago at Monte Carlo.
This should be a straightforward and routine win for the current World No.2. The Spaniard will look to continue his title and ranking points defence here at Montreal.
Prediction: Nadal in 2
Main Photo from Getty
