David Ferrer, a former champion at the Auckland Open, is in action again today after dismissing Robin Haase, and top seed John Isner will take to the court against another American, Taylor Fritz.
ATP Auckland Day 3 Predictions
John Isner vs Taylor Fritz
John Isner’s fine form in 2018 saw him reach his first sSam semifinal and claim a first Masters 1000 title. This match against Taylor Fritz, another tall American with a powerful serve, will be the start of his 2019 season. If he can keep the confidence he displayed last year striking boldly with his bludgeoning forehand and backing up his booming serve with clever net play, he’ll be tough to beat. Fritz is a talented young player who has yet to live up to his hype or potential. It is unlikely he will beat Isner here, but if his game comes together, he could make strides in 2019.
Prediction: Isner in 2, with at least one tiebreak
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Tennys Sandgren vs Marco Cecchinato (3)
Both these men had fairy tale runs at grand slams in 2018. Sandgren reached the quarterfinal at the Australian Open and Cecchinato reached the semifinals of the French Open. They both courted controversy as well with Sandgren’s unsavory social media history and political views coming under scrutiny and Cecchinato’s history of match fixing accusations casting a pall on his dream run. Of the two, Cecchinato has been the more convincing. He won two 250 tournaments on clay in 2018 and, though his game is less suited to hard courts, he is likely to have too much variety for Sandgren.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 2
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Cameron Norrie vs Joao Sousa
Sousa and Norrie have never played. Sousa has put up consistent results for years and has established himself as a top-50 player. Norrie, currenly ranked just inside the world’s top 100, could make his mark this year. He defeated Francis Tiafoe at the Hopman Cup and will be looking for more strong wins, taking confidence from his performance in Australia. Sousa has a proven history of performing well whereas Norrie is yet to demonstrate he can put up results week after week.
Prediction: Sousa in 2
Leonardo Mayer vs Matteo Berrettini
Leonardo Mayer handled Steve Johnson’s serve so well in his round of 32 match, it is hard to bet against him finding a way mast Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini has been steadily rising up the rankings and will prove stiff competition fo Mayer, but the experienced Argentine should be able to fight his way past the talented young Italian.
Prediction: Mayer in 3 tight sets
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Peter Gojowczyk vs Fabio Fognini
This match will hinge, as all Fognini matches tend to, on which version of the mercurial Italian shows up. If he is dialed in and blasting winner off both wings, Gojowczyk will have no prayer. If he is listless, uninspired, or angry the match could quickly turn in the German’s favor. Gojowczyk is a skilled player who battled through a tough second set to beat Guido Pella in three yesterday, but the match is on Fognini’s racquet.
Prediction: Fognini in 2
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Ugo Humbert vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Philipp Kohlschreiber won the Auckland Open in 2008 and reached the final in 2013, losing to David Ferrer. His prior successes in New Zealand and his comfort and confidence at the Auckland Open will almost ensure him a victory over Humbert. Kohlschreiber plays well on hard courts and recently reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2018, his first slam fourth round in 4 years. Humbert may put up a spirited fight, but Kohlschreiber should win through without difficulty.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 2
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Jan-Lennard Struff vs Rubin “Jose” Statham
Jose Statham’s victory over Hyeon Chung included mesmerizing tennis. The shot of the match – and of the tournament so far – saw Statham dive for a volley in a point he ended up winning. Jan-Lennard Struff will likely halt the hometown favorite’s run. Chung does not yet possess weapons like those Struff can deploy: big strikes and confidence at the net. Statham may surprise and win a set, but Struff ‘s combination of power and touch should ensure victory.
Prediction: Struff in 2
Pablo Carreno Busta vs David Ferrer
In the marquee match of the day, Pablo Carreno Busta takes on the former champion and sentimental favorite David Ferrer. The two Spaniards play a similar style of tennis based on grit and determination. When it comes to sheer fighting spirit few can match Ferrer, though, and his recent run of form, shown in his convincing dismissal of Robin Haase yesterday, makes him the favorite. Carreno Busta has put up much better results in recent years and will be tough to beat, but Ferrer’s fire is burning bright at the moment and it would be foolish to bet against him.
Prediction: Ferrer in 3
