The five remaining ATP Athens round of 16 matches will be completed on Day 4. The legendary Stan Wawrinka faces a battle of one-handed backhands against Lorenzo Musetti, who must win to keep his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals alive. All the matches are predicted in this article, but which players do you think will advance?

ATP Athens Day 4 Predictions
Luciano Darderi vs Miomir Kecmanovic

Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 2-1 Darderi

Kecmanovic has won his previous hard-court matches against Darderi in straight sets. The Italian No. 3 seed also enters this contest after four consecutive defeats. Darderi needs to do a better job of protecting his backhand than he did in their previous hard-court meetings. His form does not give me confidence that he will achieve that.

Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2

Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Alexandre Muller

Head-to-head: Muller 1-0 Etcheverry

Etcheverry beat Mackenzie McDonald in three sets while Muller won a thrilling battle against Jan-Lennard Struff in a deciding set tiebreak. As always, the Argentine will try to dominate proceedings with his forehand. I think the conditions in Athens can allow Muller to defend well enough against that threat and narrowly prevail.

Prediction: Muller in 3

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Yannick Hanfmann vs Vit Kopriva

Head-to-head: First meeting

Both men generally try to play on the front foot. Occasionally, Hanfmann hinders his chances by hitting cautiously, which does not suit him. The German performed very well in the opening round and is the favorite if he stays aggressive.

Prediction: Hanfmann in 2

Brandon Nakashima vs Marcos Giron

Head-to-head: Nakashima 2-0 Giron

Nakashima defeated his compatriot in a deciding set tiebreak when they met a few weeks ago at the Chengdu Open. He has a higher ceiling, and his superior service will be invaluable in Athens. Giron is a fighter and stubborn from the baseline, but he can only win if Nakashima is below his best.

Prediction: Nakashima in 2
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Stan Wawrinka vs Lorenzo Musetti

Head-to-head: Musetti 1-0 Wawrinka

40-year-old Wawrinka’s narrow victory against Botic van de Zandschulp was terrific viewing. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion must play better to have a chance against Musetti. Top players are often vulnerable late in the season, but the Italian will be motivated to qualify for the ATP Finals. His class will likely prove enough against Wawrinka.

Prediction: Musetti in 2

Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski – Imagn Images