It’s Thursday at the China Open. Jim Smith already wrote predictions today, but I’m also going to take a stab at them as well. Let’s see who does better.
China Open Day 4 Predictions
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
The Georgian is one of the biggest hitters on tour and his many strengths are his serve and his forehand. Earlier this year, he won the ATP 500 event in Hamburg, so he has had success at this level this year. However, with his power, this risk of unforced errors is higher, and this has cost Basilashvili in the past. Stefan is Tsitsipas is definitely the favorite for this match in terms of seeding and because of the impressive year he has had, however this match should go to three sets of both players produce their best level. I’m predicting a three setter with Tsitsipas coming out on top.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
John Isner vs Dan Evans
Dan Evans has seen as impressive return to the ATP tour since his substance abuse ban. The Brit had a great Grass court season with impressive back to back wins on the challenger circuit in Ilkley and Nottingham, before reaching the third round at Wimbledon. It’s great to see Evans playing some of his best tennis again. In John Isner, Dan’s serve will be crucial as he won’t get many opportunities on his opponents serve. Isner reaches the final of Miami this year before his foot injury, so he has shown good form on the surface. This is a tough one to predict as both players are evenly matched in terms of court play, but in giving the edge to Isner.
Prediction: Isner in 3
Sam Querrey vs Diego Schwartzman
This is a match which features to players with one of the biggest height differences in tour. Querrey has had a relatively quiet season apart from on the grass courts, where he reached the final in Eastbourne and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Similarly, Schwartzman has not been as consistent this year as he was last season, however he recently reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. The American has the better serve and the Argentine has the better courtplay. However I think due to recent form that Schwartzman will get the win.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Felix Auger Aliassime vs Alexander Zverev
Undoubtedly the best match of the day on paper, this promises to be a thrilling match between two of the games most exciting young players. Despite not being in good form for the majority of this season, the German is always a threat on any surface and you’d expect him to regain his form sooner rather than later. As for the Canadian, this season has been a great year for him, especially in Miami where he was the youngest player to reach the semifinals of a masters 1000 event since 2007. There are still clear areas of his game he needs to work on (most noticeably, the ball toss on his serve), but if he can cope with the heavy weight of expectation, then he should have a great career at the top of the game. For tonight match, I’m predicting a tight three setter with Zverev winning in three sets.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Disagree with my China Open predictions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
