Like we do for the Grand Slams, us at LastWordOnTennis are here to predict the biggest matches of the year for you. At the ATP Finals, that means every match. The fourth day’s matches feature Grigor Dimitrov against David Goffin and Dominic Thiem against alternate Pablo Carreno Busta, who is replacing the injured Rafael Nadal. Picking these matches are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Ryan Schick, and Brett Margolies.
ATP Finals Day 4 Predictions
Dominic Thiem vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Brett:
It’ll interesting to see how Pablo Carreno Busta comes out tomorrow. As an alternate there might be a nothing to lose mentality, which would definitely help him and take away some of the pressure in a match with such high stakes. He’s lucky to be playing against the one player you’d want to play against right now in Thiem. I think being the fresher of the two will help Carreno Busta as well and he’ll pull off the upset.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Ryan:
Thiem has struggled on the hard courts in the latter part of the season, but his impressive play has earned him the number four ranking. However, Pablo Carreno Busta has struggled even more, losing five of his last six matches after the US Open. Thiem lucked out incredibly with Nadal pulling out, and Carreno Busta has not only lost but looked unimpressive in his recent matches. Thiem will get back on track this match and will be too much for Carreno Busta to handle.
Prediction: Thiem in 2
Yesh:
It is so difficult to come into this tournament as an alternate, and Carreno Busta has to be crushed that Jack Sock came out of nowhere in Bercy and took his spot in this tournament. Still, he gets to play with Nadal’s withdrawal, and has a real chance of coming in second in the group. Thiem is in poor form at the moment, and Carreno Busta is consistent enough to get through this match.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
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David Goffin vs Grigor Dimitrov
Brett:
What an opportunity this is for both of these players after Rafael Nadal withdrew. Grigor Dimitrov looked better yesterday in my opinion, as Goffin struggled to put away Nadal who looked 50% healthy at best. Dimitrov leads the head to head 3-1 with Goffin winning their last meeting in Rotterdam earlier this year. Dimitrov stepped up in the big moments yesterday, and would expect him to do the same against Goffin.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Ryan:
This match is one of the more difficult to predict, with Dimitrov playing at a very high level on hard courts but Goffin in great form, highlighted by his three set win over Rafael Nadal. Goffin has played some really good tennis, but the win over Nadal must be taken with a grain of salt as Nadal was wincing in pain throughout the match and pulled out of the tournament after. Dimitrov struggled a bit against Thiem but found his groove en route to a three set victory. This match will be more of the same, with Goffin giving Dimitrov a gritty battle but Dimitrov’s strong ground strokes will take him to victory.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Yesh:
Goffin got through Nadal on Day 2, though the Spaniard was a bit hobbled. Goffin might be playing better right now, but this matchup suits Dimitrov more, as Goffin doesn’t really have any weapons that can trouble the Bulgarian.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Main Photo:
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