17 second-round matches are scheduled on Day 4 of the ATP Miami Open, and fans can expect great tennis all day. This article features #8 seed Ben Shelton and #20 seed Learner Tien as both home players look to get off to a solid start. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance?
ATP Miami Day 4 Predictions
Arthur Rinderknech vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Having failed to qualify in previous attempts, Terence Atmane entered the main draw directly this time and got a solid win in the first round. Atmane showed in Cincinnati last year what he is capable of on quick courts, and his higher-ranked compatriot Arthur Rinderknech must be on his toes to avoid defeat. This is their first encounter, and I think it will be a close match. Rinderknech played a great match against Alcaraz in Indian Wells, but he has a terrible record in Miami. I am going with Atmane.
Prediction: Atmane in 3
Tomas Machac vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Tomas Machac was out of action for over a month and was a bit rusty in the first set against Emilio Nava. He got better as the match progressed and was cruising in the third set. He has a good record here, and it should be an entertaining contest against Corentin Moutet, who is still finding his best level this season. I expect Machac to rush the Frenchman from the baseline and get the win.
Prediction: Machac in 2
Ugo Humbert vs Gabriel Diallo
Head-to-Head: Humbert 0-1 Diallo
Ugo Humbert lost a close match against Alex Michelsen in Indian Wells, but the conditions here in Miami should suit his game much better. His serve will be more effective, and his groundstrokes will remain low, which can cause trouble to a tall player like Gabriel Diallo. However, Diallo himself has a great serve and has beaten Humbert before. I am expecting a close match with neither player enjoying much success on return. However, I like Diallo just a tad bit more in clutch situations.
Prediction: Diallo in 3
Learner Tien vs Kamil Majchrzak
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Learner Tien is close to making his Top 20 debut, and winning this match would go a long way in solidifying his spot. He has never won a match here before, but his improved serve should help him perform better than the last time. Kamil Majchrzak is a dangerous opponent with a big game, but Tien is great at absorbing and redirecting pace to hurt his opponent.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Ben Shelton was under the weather in Indian Wells, but still did well to stay competitive and win a match. He should have recovered by now, having a significant amount of gap since his last match. Shelton has never performed well here in the past, but he is a better player than before, and I expect him to have a successful campaign. Alexander Shevchenko will find it extremely hard to break Shelton’s serve, and any hiccups on his own serve will be costly.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images