There should be plenty of entertaining action on day three at the ATP Eastbourne International with a number of intriguing matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Gael Monfils vs Max Purcell. But who will advance at Devonshire Park?
ATP Eastbourne International Day 3 Predictions
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Andreas Seppi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Emil Ruusuvuori is an exciting prospect. The Finnish player showed a glimpse of his future potential when he reached the round of sixteen at the Miami Open, recording wins over the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. However, he has struggled for form since then, having not been able win another tour level match until his opening round win over Albert Ramos Vinolas this week. Despite possessing a lot of potential, the Finn is yet to find the consistency need to be an established member of the tour but it is important to give him the necessary time required to develop his game.
In contrast to Ruusuvuori, Andreas Seppi is one of the most experienced players on the ATP Tour. However, this season the Italian has mainly played on the ATP Challenger Tour, with his best result being winning the title at the third Biella Challenger. Seppi reached the quarterfinals of the first Nottingham Challenger and came through qualifying this week before defeating Yoshihito Nishioka in the opening round. This looks to have the makings of a close match, with Seppi consistent from the back of the court, but Ruusuvuori possessing more power. It may well go to three sets, but the Italian’s experience on this surface should prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Seppi in 3
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John Millman vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a match between a clash in game styles. John Millman has one of the best attitudes on the ATP Tour, and it is fair to say that despite not possessing huge firepower, the Australian gets the most out of his game and is an exceptional mover. Millman is also remarkably consistent and looks to grind opponents down from the back of the court, very rarely making large numbers of unforced errors.
Lorenzo Sonego has had a great season so far, particularly on the clay where he won the title at the ATP 250 event in Sardinia and he also reached the semifinals in Rome, defeating Dominic Thiem in an epic three-set quarterfinal. However, after a disappointing opening round defeat at Roland Garros, it is unknown how the Italian will fair on the faster and lower bouncing grass courts. Still, he definitely has the firepower to be a threat on grass courts. He should have too much for the Australian here.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
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Marton Fucsovics vs Kwon Soon-woo
Head-to-head: first meeting
Marton Fucsovics is having a solid season on the ATP Tour. The Hungarian reached the third round of the Australian Open, where he defeated Stan Wawrinka in an epic five-set second-round match. After Melbourne, he reached the final at the first ATP 500 event of the season in Rotterdam. This result wax followed with a run to the quarterfinals in Doha and Dubai. But since then he has been inconsistent and he did not have a great clay court season or start to the grass court season.
Kwon Soon-woo has played a mixture of Challenger and Tour events this season, winning the second Biella Challenger in February. His best run at a tour-level event came at the Andalucia Open where he reached the quarterfinals. Kwon is a good mover and consistent from the back of the court, buck he does not possess a big weapon in his game. The Hungarian should have too much for the South Korean, with Fucsovics in good position to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 2
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Liam Broady vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-head: first meeting
Liam Broady recorded one of the best wins of his career in the opening round, defeating Frances Tiafoe in straight sets in his opener at the ATP Eastbourne International. The Brit has mainly played on the ATP Challenger Tour this season, reaching two finals in Potchefstroom and the third Biella Challenger and near a career-high ranking, being currently ranked 144th in the world. Broady served well in his opening round match and delivered under pressure, mentally staying focussed as Tiafoe complained about the conditions. The accuracy of his serve is a key factor of his game and he will have to hit his spots against his Australian opponent.
Alex de Minaur won the first ATP Tour event of the year in Antalya, but then endured a dip in form, struggling to produce consistent back-to-back wins. However, after a disappointing Roland Garros, the Australian is showing signs of getting back to his best form on the grass. De Minaur reached the quarter-finals in Stuttgart and reached the semi-finals at Queens last week, losing to the eventual champion Matteo Berrettini.
This is a match between two players with similar game styles. Neither player will be able to hit their opponent off the court, so this should be a match with long rallies. If Broady can serve well, then he has a chance, however, de Minaur is the more consistent baseliner and should get the win in two tight sets.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
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