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 second day’s matches feature Roger Federer vs Alexander Zverev and Jack Sock vs Marin Cilic. Picking these matches are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Ryan Schick, and Brett Margolies.
ATP Finals Day 5 Predictions
Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic
Ryan:
First is a rematch of this year’s Wimbledon final, but this time with nothing on the line. Cilic hasn’t played poorly but has yet to win a match in London, while Federer has continued his strong form. This will be closer than Wimbledon, but Federer will still take it.
Prediction: Federer in 2
Brett:
One of the negatives of the round robin format is when it gets to a match like this, that is meaningless in terms of who’s advancing to the semifinals. Despite not playing his best yesterday, Federer managed to beat Zverev comfortably in the end. Cilic just doesn’t do enough to put any kind of scare in to Federer and that will show tomorrow. The 7-1 H2H between the two is indicative to how their matches usually go.
Prediction: Federer in 2
Yesh:
Federer is obviously the heavy favorite in this match. He is the better player, and matches up favorably against Cilic as long as Cilic isn’t at his absolute best. Beware, though. Because Federer is already through to the semifinals, it would be prudent of him to conserve energy and take things a little easier in this match. There’s no reason to go for huge shots or lunge at the net. Federer shouldn’t treat this as more than a practice, so he might not win.
Prediction: Federer in 2
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Jack Sock vs Alexander Zverev
Ryan:
With both players at 1-1 this serves as essentially a quarterfinal match, with the winner advancing out of the group stage. Zverev has looked strong in both his matches save for set three against Fed, and has competed with the best on big stages. Sock has played stronger than many thought, beating Cilic and hanging with Federer. Zverev is simply the better player and will advance to the quarters.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Brett:
I think this match has the potential to be the match of the tournament so far. There’s a lot at stake as the winner advances to the semifinals and both players are playing well so far this week. Jack Sock has been riding the momentum of winning the title in Bercy and survived a tough one against Cilic on Tuesday. I think Sock does the same tomorrow, and gets through to the semifinals upsetting Zverev.
Prediction: Sock in 3
Yesh:
The better, and more important, match of the day does not involve Federer. Sock proved that he belongs in this tournament with his win over Cilic. He has the confidence to win and his playing the best tennis of his career. He is going to prove that his last win wasn’t a fluke by backing it up and coming in second in the group.
Prediction: Sock in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
