Americans dominate the draw of the lone clay-court ATP event on United States soil, and Thursday’s order of play is not any completely different. Four seeded Americans take middle stage, together with 20-year-old phenom Learner Tien, squaring off towards compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy. As all the time, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all Day 4 matches at ATP Houston. But who will advance?
ATP Houston Day 4 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 2-1 Hijikata
No. 2 seed Frances Tiafoe begins his ATP Houston marketing campaign towards the all the time powerful Rinky Hijikata. The 25-year-old Aussie picked up a stable win over the in-form Kovacevic in Round 1, and needs to be feeling good about his recreation after reeling off 5 wins within the desert final month. That stated, I nonetheless don’t belief his recreation on clay; Hijikata has simply two ATP clay-court wins in his profession. Tiafoe, in entrance of residence assist, gained’t let that get to a few.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Alex Michelsen vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-Head: first assembly
In some ways, Alex Michelsen and Alexei Popyrin mirror one another; tall and slender, with a dwell arm that lends itself to an enormous serve. They can each produce moments of greatness, but additionally expertise head-scratching dips in stage. Given that, this match is actually a toss-up. Popyrin has confirmed to be the marginally higher participant on the clay, however his three-set win over Patrick Kypson in Round 1 was simply his third of 2026. Michelsen, nevertheless, reached the Round of 16 in each Sunshine Double occasions. I’ll facet with the American in good kind.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs Roman Andres Burruchaga
Head-to-Head: first assembly
On paper, this seems like a matchup the place Nakashima ought to roll. But Burruchaga is a kind of clay-court specialists from South America who’ve dominated the Challenger Tour over the previous few seasons. In reality, he has reached No. 74 on this planet regardless of having gained solely seven profession main-draw matches. This 24-year-old Argentine is a main candidate to drag off a couple of unsuspecting upsets on the clay. However, Nakashima’s consistency from the bottom and terrific serve make him nearly upset-proof.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Learner Tien vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-Head: Tien 4-0 Basavareddy
Learner Tien and Nishesh Basavareddy know one another effectively. Both are 20-year-old former top-five junior gamers who had temporary stints taking part in school tennis in California. Professional life has handled Tien higher than his compatriot, however each have extremely vibrant futures on this sport. That stated, this head-to-head has been a nightmare for Basavareddy. Not solely does Tien maintain a 4-0 file towards him, however he has additionally gained 10 consecutive units in these matches. Every consequence this season will probably be large for Tien, who’s my sneaky choose to achieve the ATP Finals in Turin.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Images
