The United Cup has produced much high-quality tennis so far, and Day 4 is unlikely to be any different. 2022 US Open runner-up Casper Ruud is set to be in action again, with Team Norway needing a win to stay in the competition after losing their opening tie. By contrast, this is Croatia’s first tie of the event. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the United Cup matches. But which teams and players do you think will win?
United Cup Day 4 Predictions
Malene Helgo vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Vekic is seeking to start this year well after her results fell away towards the end of last season. The first half of the Croat’s 2023 season was very strong, including a run to the quarterfinal of the Australian Open. She starts as a clear favourite against Helgo. The Norwegian is currently ranked #539 in the world, and her highest ever ranking is ##317. In addition, Helgo has been most comfortable on clay throughout her career. It would be a huge shock if she toppled the big-hitting Vekic on her favourite surface at the United Cup.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Casper Ruud vs Borna Coric
Head-to-head: Coric 1-0 Ruud
Ruud looked strong during his singles win against Tallon Griekspoor in Norway’s opening tie. Aside from a great run to the French Open final, 2023 was slightly underwhelming by Ruud’s extremely high standards, and he will be looking to make a mark from the start of this season. This is Coric’s first match since the US Open first round. The 2022 Cincinnati Masters champion will have to be very good from the start of his comeback to beat Ruud. He did beat the Norwegian in their only meeting in 2019, but Ruud is a very different player now. His consistency is likely to overwhelm the returning Coric at the United Cup.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Ulrikke Eikeri/Casper Ruud vs Donna Vekic/Ivan Dodig
Ruud and Eikeri came close in their doubles battle against the Netherlands, losing two very tight sets. This one is likely to be a close battle too. The Norwegians have the class of Ruud on their side, but Dodig is a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion across men’s and mixed doubles. Eikeri also reached the final of the French Open in mixed doubles in 2022. It is a tough one to call, but Croatia get a slight edge in this United Cup doubles battle. If the contest becomes close, the experience of 38-year-old Dodig on the doubles court could make the difference in the end.
Prediction: Vekic/Dodig in 10-point tiebreak
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
