On day 4 of the ATP Antwerp Open, the remaining round-of-16 matches promise more exciting tennis action. Day 3 witnessed some remarkable performances, including the advancement of young Frenchman Arthur Fils into the quarterfinals. The fourth day is set to feature prominent players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem. As always, we, at LWOT, provide our analysis and predictions for all these matches. So, who do you think will emerge victorious?
ATP Antwerp Day 4 Predictions
Maximilian Marterer vs Nuno Borges
Nuno Borges secured a much-needed win against Dominik Koepfer in the previous round. The Portuguese player has faced a tough period recently but showed promise by reaching a Challenger Tour final in China prior to this event. However, in this encounter, Maximilian Marterer holds the advantage. Marterer delivered a standout performance in the opening round, defeating the experienced Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who played well. Marterer’s potent serve is well-suited to the Antwerp Open’s courts, and his lefty forehand thrives on the court’s pace. While Borges should not be underestimated, Marterer’s firepower is likely to prevail in this contest.
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Hugo Gaston
Jan-Lennard Struff, the second seed, received a bye into the round-of-16, making him the favorite in this matchup. Struff boasts a 53-47 win/loss record on indoor ATP Tour courts, whereas Hugo Gaston stands at 5-12, with three of his wins coming from a notable quarterfinal run in the 2021 Paris Masters. Struff is currently experiencing the best season of his career, while Gaston has faced difficulties throughout 2023. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Frenchman. Struff only recently returned from a three-month injury hiatus, and he exhibited signs of rustiness in his recent tournaments. The conditions at the ATP Antwerp Open may better suit Struff’s big-hitting game. While Struff is the likelier victor, an upset is not out of the question in this encounter.
Dominic Thiem vs Yannick Hanfmann
Dominic Thiem’s victory over Luca Nardi was a highly encouraging sign. The four-time Grand Slam finalist had to dig deep against a high-caliber opponent, displaying his determination to secure the win. Yannick Hanfmann can be a formidable adversary when he finds his rhythm, with a capacity for powerful shots from both wings. However, Hanfmann typically excels on clay, and his record on hardcourts is less impressive, standing at 5-16 in ATP matches played on this surface. Although Thiem’s consistency may not be what it once was, his movement and clean hitting are expected to pressure Hanfmann into making costly errors at the ATP Antwerp Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Stefanos Tsitsipas enters the ATP Antwerp Open aiming to address recent criticisms and doubts raised by some in the media regarding his commitment to tennis. While Tsitsipas has refuted these claims, there is no denying that his recent results have fallen short of his previous standards. Consequently, predicting a victory for him at this moment is challenging. Botic van de Zandschulp has experienced a mixed season, marked by a final appearance in Munich in April but marred by poor form and injuries since. Tsitsipas may find himself in a rut that lasts until the season’s end, but he holds a slight edge at the ATP Antwerp Open against an opponent who may already be looking to put this challenging season behind him.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Dive Digest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.