Expect plenty of entertaining action on day four at the ATP Washington Open with eight matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match. But who will book their spot in the quarterfinals in D.C.?
ATP Washington Day 4 Predictions
Michael Mmoh vs JJ Wolf
Head-to-head: Wolf 1-0 Mmoh
These two met on the hard courts of the Australian Open earlier this year. J.J. Wolf demolished Michael Mmoh on that occasion, losing just seven games on his way to a straight sets win. Wolf plays his best tennis on American hard courts. He is playing very well right now after a run to the semifinals in Atlanta last week, and easily beating Radu Albot in the last round in Washington. Mmoh though did get arguably the best win of his career in the last round against Hubert Hurkacz, saving three match points along the way. Both men will hit very hard from the baseline throughout the match, there is no contrast in styles. The higher ranked Wolf will be better from the back of the court more consistently to stop Mmoh’s run in its tracks. Mmoh will have to serve very well to have a chance.
Prediction: Wolf in 2
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Alexander Shevchenko vs Dan Evans
Head-to-head: first meeting
This tournament has seen both these players gaining momentum after struggling in the last few months. Shevchenko defeated Maxime Cressy in the first round, who is having a terrible year. But his second round win after losing the first set against Sebastian Korda was an extremely impressive victory. Evans had been having a truly horrendous run.
His win in the last round against the talented Frenchman Gregoire Barrere was his first win since April. A weight will have been lifted from his shoulders. However, Shevchenko may well defy the rankings once again and beat the world #3. The Briton has a crafty style of play, but the conditions in Washington are suiting Shevchenko’s extremely aggressive style absolutely perfectly. The pace of Evans’ groundstrokes, or lack thereof, could sit up for him ideally.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 3
Christopher Eubanks vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: Thompson 2-0 Eubanks
Christopher Eubanks has used the momentum from his run at Wimbledon quite nicely, reaching the Atlanta quarterfinals and playing well in his straight sets win in the last round. Thompson will be feeling good after beating Adrian Mannarino, who he lost to on the grass courts of Newport a couple of weeks ago. The conditions suit the games of both men well, and there could be considerable spells without long rallies in this match. Thompson did beat Eubanks earlier this year, but really it seems impossible to compare the Eubanks before his title run in Mallorca to the Eubanks of now. This could be a very tight match.Eubanks should have the edge, but this match will likely feature at least one tiebreak.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Shang Juncheng
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 1-0 Shang
These two also met at the Australian Open earlier this year, and Frances Tiafoe cruised to victory in straight sets for the loss of just nine games. The current #149 Shang Juncheng should present stiffer opposition this time. The 18-year-old qualifier has already had an exceptional tournament, and his level in his win against another talented young player Ben Shelton will not have gone unnoticed around the tennis world.
Tiafoe had to sweat somewhat himself during his win in two tiebreaks against Aslan Karatsev. The second seed loves to entertain the crowd, but he will need to be fully focused and not underestimate Juncheng. Bacl Tiafoe to win, but Juncheng is likely to take a set. Indeed, it would be no great surprise if the fearless Chinese player makes it a tight match.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
