The round of 16 gets underway on Day 3 of the Antalya Open with the top seeds taking to the court after receiving first-round byes. We preview four of those matches and predict who will reach the quarterfinals.
ATP Antalya Open Day 3 Predictions
Lorenzo Sonego vs Prajnesh Gunneswaran
Head to head – First Meeting
The young Italian Sonego dispatched Joao Sousa more easily than most would have foreseen with his serve doing most of the damage. It helped him inch past a tight tiebreaker 13-11 and would hope his serve bails him out again.
The Indian, Gunneswaran, took out the veteran Serb Tipsarevic on the back of his huge serve and ceding no rhythm to the Serbian. Expect this match to be decided by the one who serves well throughout the match but the superior groundstrokes possessed by the Italian should aid him to move into the quarters.
Prediction: Sonego in 3
Damir Dzumhur vs Altug Celikbilek
Head to head – First Meeting
The defending champ Dzmuhur looked better than expected, having no qualms in getting past Matthew Ebden in straight sets. Standing in his way is the Turkish wild card who definitely punched above his weight, beating Ernests Gulbis in a tight three-setter. The young Celikbilek would surely count on his home country’s support which was surprisingly missing characterized by empty stands. Dzumhur would not want to take Celikbilek lightly as the home favorite would be gearing up for another upset.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 2
Jordan Thompson vs Bradley Klahn
Speaking of men in form, we have the Australian Jordan Thompson slowly rising through the ranks. Ranked #45 now, Thompson would be pretty happy with how 2019 has been progressing. Having compiled a 19-12 win-loss record this year, the Australian looked impressive reaching the final of Rosmalen, beating the likes of De Minaur, Tiafoe and Gasquet en route. His first match here won’t be easy as the American Bradley Klahn looked good in dispatching Steve Darcis 6-3 6-2. Expect Klahn to make it competitive but the Australian pulls through.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head to head – First Meeting
Seeded second this year, Mannarino would be keen to go one step further than in the past, having finished second best the last two years here at Antalya. Form-wise, Mannarino couldn’t be in better shape, scooping up Rosmalen for his first ATP tour-level title. His short strokes and nimble footwork put him in a good spot to do well on grass. If he serves smartly as he has been doing this grass court season there’s very little to bet against the Frenchman.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
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