The ATP Murray River Open 2021 is beginning to heat up with just the 32 players remaining in the draw. Day 3 promises to be an action packed day with top seed Stan Wawrinka in action and young hopefuls eager to start 2021 in the right way.
ATP Murray River Open Day 3 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Egor Gerasimov
Head to head – First Meeting
Egor Gerasimov notched up his first win of 2021 after losing in the opening round at Antalya. The tall Belarusian served exceptionally well and will be relying on that shot to help him progress further. He now takes on Marton Fucsovics who managed to beat Marco Cecchinato in a tricky opening round matchup.
The key for the Hungarian would be to put as many returns back as he can. Gerasimov wasn’t broken in his first match here and that’s a testament to how well he served. Fucsovics has a better baseline game and is more consistent. If he can make a meaningful return then it’s advantage Fucsovics from there on. Expect Gerasimov to not go away quietly with Fucsovics being slightly more clutch on crucial points.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Ricardas Berankis vs Jason Kubler
Head to head – First Meeting
What a start for both these players. Ricardas Berankis swept aside Sumit Nagal in two easy sets while Jason Kubler overcame rising star Lorenzo Sonego in an impressive three set win. Berankis is not the most powerful hitter but moves well and how he handles the aggressive Kubler will make it a fascinating contest. Expect the confidence Kubler gained by beating Sonego to be enough for the Australian to stick to his game and dismantle Berankis in a tight contest.
Prediction: Kubler in 3
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Alex Bolt vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head to head – McDonald 1-0 Bolt
Mackenzie McDonald notched up a fine win against Richard Gasquet winning 7-6 7-5. The American next faces Alex Bolt who had to tough it out against Thanasi Kokkinakis. It was a fine effort by Bolt but his campaign only gets tougher from here on in his part of the draw. These two have played each other before but that was in 2018 and when these two meet in Melbourne, the clash from 2018 should hardly have an effect on the outcome.
Expect a high octane clash with McDonald looking in fine serving rhythm and if Bolt manages to pick up his serving then there’s very little to separate the two. McDonald looked slightly more consistent than Bolt in their respective first round encounters and if the American manages to continue doing so then he should just edge this contest.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Marcos Giron
Head to head – First Meeting
Adrian Mannarino has the potential to be the silent killer this week. The Frenchman is a tricky opponent for anyone especially on the faster surfaces and surely enters this match as the favourite. Marcos Giron showed what he’s capable of at last year’s Paris Masters and has begun on a winning note in 2021.
The American possesses immense talent and it’ll be interesting to see how he tackles Mannarino’s game. His best chance will be to attack the Frenchman’s serve and try to build the point from there on. Expect the American to keep things interesting for a set but the Frenchman on the back of his solid game should come out on top.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
