None of the final 5 finalists on the ATP 500 in Barcelona can be concerned following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal resulting from a wrist damage in his match in opposition to Otto Virtanen. There’s all to play for Barcelona as we enter the final eight, however who will advance?
ATP Barcelona Day 4 Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head–to–Head: Rublev 3 – 2 Sonego
Andrey Rublev and Lorenzo Sonego renew their rivalry for a sixth time in Barcelona, with the head-to-head finely poised beneath the floor. Rublev leads general, however clay has tilted the stability with Sonego taking each of their earlier conferences on the filth, each a drawn-out scrap.
The Russian arrives as the upper seed and in stable rhythm after seeing off Mariano Navone in straight units, whereas Sonego needed to grind by a three-set battle in opposition to Pedro Martinez in his first outing since Melbourne.
That current layoff could possibly be the important thing variable. Sonego has already proven flashes, however match sharpness on clay is unforgiving, particularly in opposition to a relentless baseline hitter like Rublev. Still, historical past suggests this received’t be simple; these two have a tendency to pull one another into deep waters on this floor. Expect one other tight contest, however with Rublev’s present momentum and bodily edge, he appears higher positioned to return by.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima
Head–to–Head: Fils 1 – 2 Nakashima
Arthur Fils and Brandon Nakashima renew a quietly brewing rivalry in Barcelona, and if historical past is something to go by, count on rigidity from the primary ball. Nakashima leads the head-to-head 2-1, however these wins really feel like distant recollections, with each approaching arduous courts over two years in the past.
On clay, it’s Fils who struck first in Lyon, and the Frenchman arrives right here as a much more full, harmful participant. He needed to dig deep to edge previous Terence Atmane in a final-set tiebreak, whereas Nakashima seemed sharp in a straight-sets win over Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Their matchups are likely to run sizzling, with tie-breaks and 7-5 units a recurring theme, and this one has all of the substances to observe go well with. But the stability of energy has shifted. Fils’ explosive sport is starting to translate extra constantly on clay, and in these circumstances, he appears a degree above. Expect one other tight battle, however this time, the momentum and the second lean firmly towards the Frenchman.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Lorenzo Musetti vs Corentin Moutet
Head–to–Head: Musetti 2 – 0 Moutet
Lorenzo Musetti shook off the rust from his post-Australian Open damage layoff with a composed 7-5, 6-2 win over Martin Landaluce, displaying flashes of the fluid shot-making that makes him so harmful on rhythm. Now comes a well-known check in Corentin Moutet, a participant Musetti has dealt with comfortably earlier than, profitable each of their earlier conferences in straight units.
Moutet arrives in stable type after a tidy 6-4 6-4 dismissal of Ignacio Buse, however this matchup has traditionally tilted closely in Musetti’s favour. Even if the Italian continues to be sharpening his edge, he is aware of precisely how one can disrupt the Frenchman’s selection and tempo. With confidence restored and the head-to-head edge firmly on his aspect, Musetti appears well-positioned to make it three from three.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
