ATP Houston Day 4 Predictions Including Tien vs Basavareddy
Americans dominate the draw of the lone clay-court ATP match on United States soil, and Thursday’s order of play is not any completely different. Four seeded Americans take heart stage, together with 20-year-old phenom Learner Tiensquaring off towards compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy. As all the time, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all Day 4 matches at ATP Houston. But who will advance?
ATP Houston Day 4 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 2-1 Hijikata
No. 2 seed Frances Tiafoe begins his ATP Houston marketing campaign towards the all the time robust Rinky Hijikata. The 25-year-old Aussie picked up a strong win over the in-form Kovacevic in Round 1, and must be feeling good about his sport after reeling off 5 wins within the desert final month. That mentioned, I nonetheless do not belief his sport on clay; Hijikata has simply two ATP clay-court wins in his profession. Tiafoe, in entrance of dwelling help, will not let that get to a few.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Alex Michelsen vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-Head: first assembly
In some ways, Alex Michelsen and Alexei Popyrin mirror one another; tall and slender, with a dwell arm that lends itself to an enormous serve. They can each produce moments of greatness, but in addition expertise head-scratching dips in degree. Given that, this match is really a toss-up. Popyrin has confirmed to be the marginally higher participant on the clay, however his three-set win over Patrick Kypson in Round 1 was simply his third of 2026. Michelsen, nevertheless, reached the Round of 16 in each Sunshine Double occasions. I’ll aspect with the American in good type.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs Roman Andres Burruchaga
Head-to-Head: first assembly
On paper, this appears to be like like a matchup the place Nakashima ought to roll. But Burruchaga is a kind of clay-court specialists from South America who’ve dominated the Challenger Tour over the previous few seasons. In truth, he has reached No. 74 on the earth regardless of having received solely seven profession main-draw matches. This 24-year-old Argentine is a chief candidate to drag off a number of unsuspecting upsets on the clay. However, Nakashima’s consistency from the bottom and terrific serve make him nearly upset-proof.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Learner Tien vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-Head: Tien 4-0 Basavareddy
Learner Tien and Nishesh Basavareddy know one another nicely. Both are 20-year-old former top-five junior gamers who had temporary stints enjoying school tennis in California. Professional life you’ve got handled Tien higher than his compatriot, however each have extremely shiny futures on this sport. That mentioned, this head-to-head has been a nightmare for Basavareddy. Not solely does Tien maintain a 4-0 document towards him, however he has additionally received 10 consecutive units in these matches. Every end result this season might be enormous for Tien, who’s my sneaky decide to succeed in the ATP Finals in Turin.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Images
