Atp 500 Barcelona Day 4
Norrie C. vs. Etcheverry T.M.
Both players excel on this surface, with very similar playing styles based on meticulously crafted trajectories, especially in top spin shots and weightless lobs to disrupt the opponent's timing. The difference in this match could be the time spent on the court between the two, considering that Etcheverry has played almost twice as much as Norrie. Despite this, I believe it could be a fiercely contested match, especially in the first set where Etcheverry will give his all to take the lead, but I think in the long run, the Briton is favored.
Arnaldi M. vs. Rudd C.
Despite reaching the quarterfinals, Arnaldi has shown to be more comfortable on fast surfaces, and facing him is a player who grew up on clay courts and I believe he can take control right from the start, especially in response given the low first serve percentages displayed by the Italian. Rudd must be clever to not underestimate the Italian, and we'll see if he will feel the strain of two intense weeks, but despite that, I believe he will try to win as quickly as possible.
Diaz Acosta F. vs. Tsitsipas S.
Diaz Acosta is playing at the level he showed at the beginning of the season when he won the Buenos Aires tournament. A left-handed player with an excellent crafted serve and a powerful forehand, he will surely try to target Tsitsipas' backhand, who has returned to his form of two years ago but in the last two outings has won convincingly. However, against a physical player who extends rallies like the Argentine, this could weigh heavily. Service will be crucial for both, but especially for the Greek as he risks being attacked on the second serve.
Fils A. vs. Lajovic D.
Fils is very strong on this surface when he manages to play at his best, as demonstrated by today's victory against De Minaur. A powerful player with excellent cuts and accelerations, especially on the forehand. Facing him is one of the most experienced players on the circuit who, if in form, could trouble anyone on clay, especially thanks to his great consistency and few unforced errors. However, Lajovic has spent a lot of time on the court, and against a player like Fils, this could be felt.