ATP Rome Day 4 Predictions Including Rafael Nadal vs Hubert Hurkacz

Arthur Fils vs Alexandre Muller

Head-to-head: First meeting

The potential is still there for Arthur Fils, but it’s been a rocky season for him so far. Some flashes of brilliance, some rough performances like against Daniel Altmaier last week. The thing about Alexandre Muller is that while he certainly doesn’t have the explosiveness of his compatriot, he’s as tough as they get when it comes to grit and determination. He’ll force Fils to be on his best behavior, but ultimately it’s up to the 19-year-old to show if he’s up for this.
Prediction: Fils in 3

Sebastian Baez vs Dusan Lajovic

Head-to-head: 1-1

Sebastian Baez had a phenomenal Golden Swing this year, but hasn’t been able to translate it to the European part of the clay season. It’s your call whether he’s been unlucky or just unclutch, blowing winning positions against Jan-Lennard Struff in Monte Carlo (6-1 5-2 double break) and Matteo Arnaldi in Barcelona (four match points). He really needs this win over Dusan Lajovic here, but the Serbian always plays him close and won’t go down without a fight.
Prediction: Baez in 3

Hubert Hurkacz vs Rafael Nadal

Head-to-head: First meeting

Rafael Nadal is the only Big 4 member that Hubert Hurkacz was yet to face, which makes for a pretty fascinating matchup. At this stage it seems like the Spaniard can’t fully commit on serve and lost plenty of penetration on his groundstrokes, but he’s still got the tennis IQ and troublesome lefty spin. Hurkacz has a very good record against southpaws though, other than the flat-hitting ones like Ugo Humbert and Adrian Mannarino. The Nadal spin is at a different level compared to anyone else, but is that still enough these days? Let’s find out.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2