Carlos Alcaraz will try to keep his run from Indian Wells going and kick off his Miami campaign by beating Roberto Carballes Baena. Last year’s semifinalist Karen Khachanov and quarterfinalist Francisco Cerundolo will also be in action on Saturday. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?
ATP Miami Day 4 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Khachanov 3-0 Djere
The hot/humid conditions of Miami were getting to Laslo Djere in the second set of his encounter with Coleman Wong, but the youngster was struggling to keep his error count in check when he had the chance to take it to a decider. Djere will need to improve quickly as Karen Khachanov won’t be as generous. In three meetings between them so far, the Russian is yet to drop a set. Being a very physical player himself, he shouldn’t be surprised by Djere’s steady pace that kinda caught out Wong either.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Gael Monfils vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: Thompson 1-0 Monfils
Jordan Thompson crushed Gael Monfils around this time last year, but that was with the Frenchman just returning to the circuit after a long injury. Now at 37 years old he’s somehow still moving around the court like a gazelle. Thompson has been consistently raising his game too and while his Indian Wells performance was subpar, surely he’ll find the Miami courts much more to his liking. It’s just that it might not matter a great deal, as Monfils in his form is a very tricky opening draw.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Sebastian Ofner
Head-to-head: first meeting
Francisco Cerundolo has been stealing the show the past two Miami editions (2022 semifinal, 2023 quarterfinal). With the Argentinian’s up-and-down game he can fire up at any point in time regardless of the conditions and it will be so interesting to check out if his record at this venue stands the test of time. For now let’s say it puts him as a slight favorite ahead of Sebastian Ofner, who recovered from a big slump in round one and overpowered Kei Nishikori. He needs to play with that sort of clarity again to win and it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: first meeting
Roberto Carballes Baena was far from being the favorite against Aleksandar Vukic already, but this is of course next-level. Carlos Alcaraz has just picked up the title in Indian Wells and while the courts in Miami don’t suit him as much, he won the title here in 2022 and made the semifinals last year. The improvements to his serve and attacking shots that Carballes Baena made over the years are meaningful, but they’re not important enough to let him stay on top of points against someone like Alcaraz.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
