Day 5 in the Monte Carlo Masters brings a packed slate of Round of 16 matches, with Carlos Alcaraz in action, among other top players. The one-week format at Monte Carlo ensures there are no off days in terms of match quality, as the pressure continues to rise during the clay swing. As always, we here at LWOT will be predicting every match for you, but who do you think will make the quarterfinals in the Principality this year?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 5 Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Alexander Blockx
Head-to-head: First meeting
At this stage of his career, Alex de Minaur has established a clear pattern, beating players he is expected to defeat while struggling against the very elite. Alexander Blockx has looked comfortable this week, relying on his serve and forehand, but on paper, de Minaur holds a clear advantage in baseline consistency. If the Australian stays composed and returns well, he should secure his spot in the last eight.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
Valentin Vacherot vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: First meeting
Valentin Vacherot has produced some of his best tennis this year so far in front of a home crowd, highlighted by a straight-sets win over Lorenzo Musetti in the previous round. His next challenge comes against Hubert Hurkacz, in a match likely to be decided by serving performance, as both players rely heavily on their first delivery. At his best, Hurkacz would hold the edge from the baseline, but he is still returning from a lengthy layoff. With the crowd behind him, Vacherot could take initiative from the baseline and serve well enough to reach the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Vacherot in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alexander Zverev was pushed to the limit in his opening match, having to recover from a 0-4 deficit in the third set to secure the win. Zizou Bergs, on the other hand, has been impressive this week, using his baseline craft to dispatch former Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev in his previous match. This matchup could offer Bergs some opportunities, but Zverev remains a top-tier clay-court player, and if he serves well, his consistency from the baseline should see him through.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: First meeting
It is not often that Carlos Alcaraz gets the chance to face a new opponent, but that will be the case here against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. After an early exit in Miami, Alcaraz has started his clay season strongly, striking the ball cleanly from the baseline in his opening match. Etcheverry, meanwhile, has come through back-to-back three-set battles to reach this stage. While the Argentine’s baseline game can trouble some players, against the best baseliner in the world, this matchup looks firmly in Alcaraz’s favour.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
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