The ATP San Diego Open continues in its great setting near the bay in Barnes Tennis Center. It is the last ATP event of the year held in the USA, with many Americans in the draw looking for a strong showing in front of a home crowd. The field is deep with many talented players having a real chance at capturing the title. We predict all ll six matches on a busy Thursday in San Diego here at Last Word on Tennis.
ATP San Diego Day 4 Predictions
Alejandro Tabilo vs Constant Lestienne
Head-to-head: 1-0 Tabilo
Tabilo has had a strong season and started strong by qualifying for the Australian Open and beating Lestienne on the way. Lestienne has scored many more wins than Tabilo of late, though he has been playing mostly in Challenger Tour events while Tabilo has spent his time on the main tour. Tabilo is a good clay courter and secured a majority of his wins this year on the surface. Lestienne is much better on hard and will be comfortable on the courts in San Diego. This match will be close, but while Tabilo is a bit better Lestienne will be able to grind out a long match and take advantages of Tabilo’s weaknesses on the surface to win a close one.
Prediction: Lestienne in 3
J.J. Wolf vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: first meeting
Wolf has really begun to break out this year, and has had solid results on the fall hard courts swing highlighted by reaching the third round at the US Open and a career-best win over Denis Shapovalov in Washington.
O’Connell is a grinder who has spent a lot of time on tour and will give any player a battle, but doesn’t quite have the skills to get to the top. He is a favorable matchup for Wolf, who plays a similar game to the Australian but has more firepower. Wolf has youth and talent on his side and will come out strong from the start of the match. He will be able to hit the key shots that O’Connell will not be able to handle, and throw enough at the Australian to get a convincing lead early and continue that throughout the match.
Prediction: Wolf in 2
Jenson Brooksby vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: 1-0 Brooksby
This will be a rematch from another American hard court event in 2022, won by Brooksby in Atlanta in straight sets. McDonald showed some promise on tour with his talents and defense after a successful collegiate career in America, but has struggled of late to work his way up the rankings. Brooksby has done the opposite. The 21-year-old reached the Top 50 bolstered by a strong baseline defensive game that frustrates even the best players on tour.
Brooksby is an excellent young player and comes into San Diego fresh after not playing since the US Open. McDonald looked good in his first round match, also his first since the US Open, but faces a far tougher challenge in Brooksby. Brooksby looks to be a potential future star, and his groundstrokes and defense are strong enough where McDonald simply does not have the tools to beat him. Brooksby will be in control all match and secure a convincing victory.
Prediction: Brooksby in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
