Grigor Dimitrov continues his quest for ATP Finals qualification, and a solid week here in Vienna would put the wind in his sails going into the final Masters 1000 in Paris. Can he overcome a tricky test against Machac? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Vienna Day 4 Predictions
Jack Draper vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-Head: First Meeting
In a high-quality first-round clash in Vienna, Jack Draper edged out former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori in two tight sets, advancing to the second round in his tournament debut. Draper overcame a 3-5 deficit in the first set and clawed back from 1-3 in the tiebreak to secure a 7-6, 7-5 win. Meanwhile, Luciano Darderi ended local favorite Dominic Thiem’s campaign, beating him 7-6, 6-2. Darderi snapped a seven-match losing streak and earned his first indoor hard-court win. He now faces Draper, with both players meeting for the first time. On indoor hard courts, Draper holds the advantage, making his chances of trouble in this match slim.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Gael Monfils vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-Head: Musetti 2:1 Monfils
Gael Monfils was the winner in the all-French clash against Quentin Halys in the first round. Monfils has struggled for consistency this season, but he needs just one final to tie Roger Federer’s record of 20 consecutive years with a championship match. Monfils has a solid history in Vienna, reaching the final in 2008 and multiple semifinals, though his last two appearances ended in second-round losses.
Lorenzo Musetti struggled physically during the Asian swing, which interrupted his strong three-month form. However, after a short break, he started the European indoor swing in Vienna with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win over Lorenzo Sonego. Musetti has been one of the in-form players throughout the year, reaching seven quarterfinals or better on the main tour, though he has yet to do so on indoor hard courts, with his best indoor result being a second round finish in Marseille. This match will produce fireworks and the winner will defend on who is most motivated.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: First Meeting
Grigor Dimitrov strengthened his bid for Turin qualification with a straight-set win over Zhizhen Zhang in the Vienna opener. Currently ranked No. 10 in the Race to Turin, Dimitrov trails Andrey Rublev by 500 points for the final spot. Despite a dip in form during this crucial phase of the season, Dimitrov has managed to produce results, including a recent final run in Stockholm and a solid start to the European indoor swing. He holds an 11-3 record on indoor hard courts in 2024, reaching at least the semifinals in all three indoor events he’s played.
Tomas Machac, who retired from a match in Almaty last week due to illness, bounced back with a 7-6, 6-1 win over Fabian Marozsan in Vienna. Despite trailing 0-4 in the first-set tiebreak, Machac secured a straight-set victory. He has shown significant progress since his Vienna debut last year, now ranked inside the Top 30. However, his 3-12 record against Top 10 players presents a challenge as he faces Dimitrov for a quarterfinal spot. While Machac was in top form a few weeks ago, his recent struggles may give Dimitrov the edge as he continues his push for Turin.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
