It has been an entertaining start to the week at the Mexican Open and the excitement should continue on day three in Acapulco. All 16 players left in the men’s draw are in action, including second seed Alexander Zverev, who takes on the in-form Tommy Paul, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line. But who will advance?
Mexican Open Day Three Predictions
Kyle Edmund vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: first meeting
This looks to be the most intriguing match of the day on paper, with both men in excellent form. Kyle Edmund is riding a six match winning streak after his triumph at the New York and dispatched the veteran Feliciano Lopez with ease in the first round, losing just five games. Felix Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile reached back-to-back finals in Rotterdam and Montpellier and proved too strong for Alex Bolt in his Acapulco opener, despite having arrived from France just a day earlier.
Expect plenty of winners from this contest, with both Edmund and Auger-Aliassime at their best when playing on the front foot. Edmund’s game remains dominated by his heavy forehand, which is amongst the most powerful in the game, but he has also improved his forehand and backhand. Auger-Aliassime has more attacking options still, with his backhand the pick of his armoury. But against a player of Edmund’s quality, his exploits over the past fortnight might well leave his tank just a little too light on fuel.
Prediction: Edmund in 3
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Kwon Soon-woo vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
It was ultimately a rather disappointing Golden Swing for Dusan Lajovic, who won just two matches. Usually at his best on the clay, the Serbian has looked more at home on hard courts so far this season, playing a vital role in Serbia’s triumph at the ATP Cup before reaching the third round at the Australian Open. He may well be glad to be back on the asphalt as a result and put in an impressive showing in the first round at the Mexican Open, beating the experienced American Steve Johnson 6-7 6-4 6-3.
Kwon Soon-woo, meanwhile, made a solid start to his campaign in Acapulco, beating the lucky loser Taro Daniel in three-sets. But will he be able to keep the power of Lajovic at bay? The Serbian is a shot maker, with his single-handed backhand one of the more effective in the men’s game and the conditions in Acapulco look to be suiting more aggressively minded players. Expect a close contest, but Lajovic’s greater ability to hit winners should give him the edge.
Prediction: Lajovic in 3
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Adrian Mannarino vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 1-0 Mannarino
Adrian Mannarino claimed a much-needed win in the first round in Acapulco, rallying from a set down to beat Cameron Norrie, with the Frenchman helped on his way by some questionable line calls late in the contest. Grigor Dimitrov also arrived at the Mexican Open a man in need of some momentum and he made a solid start to his week by dispatching Damir Dzumhur 6-3 6-3, the fifth time he has beaten the Bosnian in as many meetings.
And this looks like a good match up for him. Dimitrov can struggle against the big-hitters on tour, too often adopting a passive approach. But Mannarino relies more on timing and court-craft than power and generally prefers faster, slicker surfaces than those found in Acapulco. That will allow Dimitrov to play on the front foot and dictate proceedings with his forehand. Do that and the Bulgarian should be able to reach his first quarterfinal of the season.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
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Rafael Nadal vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Rafael Nadal, who depending on Novak Djokovic’s performance in Dubai, could reclaim the world #1 ranking with a title in Acapulco, made an excellent start to his campaign, dismissing his countryman Pablo Andujar 6-3 6-2. Miomir Kecmanovic also made a good start in Acapulco, beating Alex de Minaur in three-sets. But whilst the Serbian will doubtless be eager to do his compatriot Djokovic a favour by beating Nadal, it is hard to see how he will be able to hurt the Spaniard. Kecmanovic does cover the court very well and long rallies are to be expected as a result. But Nadal will almost certainly win the majority of them.
Prediction: Nadal in 2
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