The ATP Swiss Open Gstaad is now well underway, with Thursday bringing the Day 4 of main draw action. This clay court swing has always felt a tad bizarre and borderline unnecessary but with the Olympics just around the corner getting used to clay court tennis is very useful. As always at Last Word on Sports we are here to predict all the clashes.
ATP Gstaad Day 4 Predictions
Gustavo Heide vs Ugo Humbert
Head to Head: First Clash
Heide has done really well to get to this stage in the tournament by coming through in qualifying and beating the higher-ranked Napolitano in a third-set tiebreak last round. Unfortunately for him though this is where his run comes to an end. Humbert, so powerful on both wings with a left-handed serve possessing wicked slice will make easy work of this clash to continue an impressive 2024 which has already seen him lift a tour title.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head to Head: First Clash
It’s been a tough old time for Auger-Aliassime since such a breakthrough season in 2022. Injury and fitness issues have plagued him as has a general lack of confidence on court. At his best, he is a methodical player who picks apart his opponent strategically. Hanfmann can be an awkward man to face on grass and hard courts, yet on the clay, he has yet to show any sustained form. The Canadian will start slowly but recover well.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Lukas Klien vs Quentin Halys
Head to Head: First Clash
Perhaps one for the more niche fans but a fascinating spectacle nonetheless. Klein produced some wonderful tennis against three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. The big takeback he possesses on the forehand side paired with the semi-western grip means that he actually has a similar technique to the Swiss even if the backhand is a two-hander instead. Halys–the French qualifier–knows his way around a clay court, though, and will make this a tough one that goes down to the wire.
Prediction: Halys in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head to Head: First Clash
It’s really a case of which Berrettini turns up. He was excellent at Wimbledon, only narrowly losing to Jannik Sinner and has already got a clay title in the bag in 2024. Galan is no pushover by any stretch of the imagination but it’s hard to see how he lives with the one-two punch of the Italian big-hitter. Expect an entertaining but one-sided clash.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
