The top half of the 2022 ATP Miami Open is carrying some extremely exciting matchups on Day 6 of the event. Defending champion Hubert Hurkacz takes on Aslan Karatsev, while Daniil Medvedev continues his campaign to regain the World No. 1 spot against Pedro Martinez. We also predict the day’s other matches in a separate article Who do you think will make the fourth round?
ATP Miami Open Day 6 Predictions
Jenson Brooksby vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jenson Brooksby is going to have a full-fledged breakout season this year, but the American is a bit hot-headed and still vulnerable, especially against players who aren’t afraid to take him on in a battle of consistency from the baseline. That definitely isn’t the case for Roberto Bautista Agut, who’s definitely found the court at Hard Rock Stadium to his liking. Ever since the tournament was moved to this venue, the Spaniard has always made it at least to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Lloyd Harris vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Harris 1-0
Lloyd Harris defeated Yoshihito Nishioka quite comfortably at Cincinnati last year, but this time it’s expected to be a much closer affair. The South African had an awful start to the year, but is finally picking up steam during the Sunshine Double. His win over Denis Shapovalov was mostly due to the Canadian’s inconsistencies, but it could help him get out of the drop-off in form. Fitness could be an issue for Yoshihito Nishioka, who’s already endured three long battles here (and has played 29 matches in 2022, compared to Harris’s 11).
Prediction: Harris in 3
Aslan Karatsev vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-1
The two met twice last year, claiming one victory each. Aslan Karatsev hasn’t been in good form since the Australian Open, winning just two matches in six events. Slower hard courts also shouldn’t really fit him in this matchup, given his ultra-aggressive playstyle and Hurkacz’s ability to counterpunch while still getting plenty of free points from his serve. There’s plenty of pressure on the defending champion but after a nervy start against Arthur Rinderknech, he produced a stunning display in set 2 of that match.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Standard code
Embed from Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Medvedev 1-0
This is a rather favorable draw for Daniil Medvedev. Pedro Martinez is one of the clay-court specialists who can translate their game to other surfaces. However, even his bigger stroke, the forehand, isn’t quite threatening enough to put much pressure on the Russian. It should be a match where the World No. 2 can easily extend the rallies and come out of them on top.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
