The remaining Round of 16 ATP Barcelona matches will be completed on Day 4. Carlos Alcaraz’s quest for a third title in four years continues against Laslo Djere, who can be dangerous on clay. As always, we here at LWOT give our predictions and analysis, but which players do you think will reach the quarterfinals?
ATP Barcelona Day 4 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Khachanov 1-0 Munar
Both men recovered from losing the first set to win in the opening round. Munar’s victory from 2-6 0-3 down against Frances Tiafoe was particularly stunning. The home favorite will probably need to be even better against Khachanov, who is less susceptible to collapses than Tiafoe. Expect plenty of long rallies between the pair, but the extra firepower of Khachanov will likely be decisive.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Rublev 5-0 Davidovich Fokina
The head-to-head is ominous for Davidovich Fokina. Many of the sets he and Rublev have played were close, which might give him some encouragement. He is also in great form after reaching the semifinal in Monte Carlo and has a playing style to trouble any player. Although Rublev’s previous success against the Spaniard makes it hard not to back him, this feels like Davidovich Fokina’s best chance to date to beat Rublev for the first time and it could be a tight battle.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Jacob Fearnley
Head-to-head: First meeting
Clay used to be the surface de Minaur struggled on the most by far. His run to the semifinal of last week’s Monte Carlo Masters and comfortable win against solid clay court player Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Barcelona shows how comfortable he has become on the dirt. Fearnley has won three matches as a qualifier and his challenge should not be taken lightly. Nonetheless, sticking with de Minaur’s athleticism and hitting will take a monumental effort.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 1-0 Djere
Alcaraz was nowhere near his best in the opening round against Ethan Quinn, but still prevailed in straight sets. Djere has slipped down the rankings in the last few years, evidenced by him needing to qualify for the Barcelona Open main draw. At his best, Alcaraz will have no trouble against Djere. The Serbian possesses a strong forehand on clay and bases his offensive game off that wing. Unfortunately for him, Alcaraz is much better in that department, and also has the athleticism to target Djere’s weaker backhand.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
