Play at the ATP Atlanta Open continues on day four with Round of 16 matches across its grounds. With some of the world’s best in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, the Atlanta draw is wide open. Many intriguing matches are on the day four slate, including No. 1 seed Ben Shelton taking on Juncheng Shang. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all matches around the grounds of Atlanta. But who will advance to the next round?
ATP Atlanta Day 4 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Reilly Opelka
Head-to-Head: first meeting
No. 5 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina picked up a much-needed first-round win over Arthur Cazaux. The Spaniard, currently No. 43 in the world, holds his worst ranking in over two years. Former World No. 17 Reilly Opelka is back in the ATP mix after missing nearly two years with various injuries. He reached the Newport semis last week and brushed Aleksandar Kovacevic aside in the first round of ATP Atlanta. That said, good movers frustrate the big-serving American. If Davidovich Fokina can stay consistent and keep points alive, I see him punching a spot in the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Harold Mayot
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jordan Thompson fell a tiebreak away from claiming the Wimbledon doubles title earlier. That said, his overall game has really taken shape this year. The 30-year-old Aussie is 21-17 in ATP matches this season and is on pace to secure his most tour-level wins in a single season of his career. Lucky Loser Harold Mayot pulled off a solid upset over Borna Coric in Round 1, but I struggle seeing him matching Thompson’s consistency in this match.
Prediction: Thompson in 2
Max Purcell vs David Goffin
Head-to-Head: first meeting
I have always loved the variety in Max Purcell’s game. His level over the past 18 months has been superb, including a run to the Eastbourne final last month. His Round 2 opponent, David Goffin, never seems to fade away. The 33-year-old has hovered around the World No. 100 mark all season but has pulled out the occasional moment of greatness. Unfortunately for the Belgian, I do not see him combating Purcell’s game in the ATP Atlanta heat.
Prediction: Purcell in 2
Ben Shelton vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-Head: Shelton 0-2 Shang
No. 1 seed Ben Shelton gets his ATP Atlanta campaign underway against a familiar foe. Juncheng Shang holds a 2-0 record against Shelton, with both wins coming on hardcourts in the United States. One of the wins was at this event. Shang is still looking to find his footing on the ATP Tour but holds a career-high ranking of World No. 89. That said, Shelton skipped out on the Olympics to play in (and advance) these US Open tune-ups. He will come out motivated, and his serve will be flying.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo: Andy Abeyta – The Desert Sun – USA TODAY NETWORK
