Following a thrilling day of tennis on Day 4, the focus shifts to the Round of 16, with all eight matches scheduled for Day 5. This article features No. 2 seed Jannik Sinner taking on Tomas Machac of Czechia. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance to the quarterfinals?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 5 Predictions
Alexander Bublik vs Jiri Lehecka
Head-to-Head: Bublik 1-0 Lehecka
No. 8 seed Alexander Bublik played his best match in over a month and defeated Gael Monfils in straight sets. It was a mature performance from Bublik, who stayed focused and did not let Monfils get comfortable. Jiri Lehecka, on the other hand, came back from a set down to beat Alejandro Tabilo. Lehecka has played a lot of matches in the last 20 days, so seeing him grit out these wins makes it even more impressive. However, Bublik will feel he has the upper hand here and should win.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Casper Ruud vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-Head: Ruud 3-4 Auger-Aliassime
Casper Ruud defeated the tricky Corentin Moutet in straight sets in the second round. However, the match was far from being straightforward as there were five consecutive breaks of serve in the second set before Ruud closed it out. The Norwegian was dealt a tough draw, but he has done well so far and will like his chances against the No. 6 seed. Felix Auger-Aliassime has had the slight upper hand in this rivalry, but on clay, I will back Ruud.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Joao Fonseca vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-Head: Fonseca 0-1 Berrettini
Former top-10 Matteo Berrettini shocked many with a 6-0 6-0 demolition of Daniil Medvedev in the second round. The Italian delivered a terrific performance, but Medvedev played poorly and contributed significantly to the scoreline. Berrettini is yet to lose a game this week and looked full of confidence after the second-round win. Joao Fonseca got a great win over Arthur Rinderknech and can exploit Berrettini’s backhand if he can return well. I will back the teenage sensation to make his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: Sinner 3-0 Machac
Jannik Sinner is showing no signs of slowing down as he easily defeated Ugo Humbert in the second round and has now won 36 sets in a row. His record against Tomas Machac is flawless as well, and despite Machac’s high ceiling, I don’t see him causing much problem for the Italian player. Machac won’t get many free points on serve, which will keep Sinner invested in most of the return games.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports