The 2021 edition of ATP Astana Open moves into day three with plenty of exciting matches on the slate. Three of the top eight seeds are in action with seven matches in total scheduled in Kazakhstan, consisting of three round of 16 clashes and four in the round of 32. As always, we here at LWOT are previewing and predicting all seven matches for you, including Benjamin Bonzi vs Emil Ruusuvuori. But who will advance?
ATP Astana Open Day 3 Predictions
Round of 16
Ilya Ivashka vs Timofey Skatov
Head-to-head: first meeting
This could get interesting if both live up to their expectations. Ilya Ivashka won in Winston-Salem prior to losing in five sets at the US Open to Matteo Berrettini – a respectable showing against the Italian. There is certainly no denying that Ivashka has had a good 2021 and he will want to keep the momentum going. Timofey Skatov is comparatively unheralded, which has made it even more exciting to follow his recent exploits. After reaching the semifinals at a The Kyiv Challenger last week, he started his campaign here by taking out Andreas Seppi in the first round. Expect Skatov to turn heads then, but Ivashka has to much quality to lose at this stage.
Prediction: Ivashka in 3
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John Millman vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: first meeting
Neither player has had a season worth remembering. Jaume Munar would’ve liked to put up a better performance especially during the clay court swing. Faster courts are not the preferred surface for the Spaniard and while he did waltz through his first round, John Millman should be a sterner opponent. That being said, the Aussie struggled in his first round match but is still very competitive. Expect a match with multiple momentum swings with Millman just clinching it.
Prediction: Millman in 3
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Laslo Djere vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: Djere 2-0 Musetti
Laslo Djere is seeded seventh here and the Serb will be aiming to demonstrate why. Djere is a solid player from the baseline with extraordinary defence capabilities, but while his relatively reactive style has worked well for him on clay, hard courts have provided a different challenge altogether. One he is yet to entirely master. Lorenzo Musetti meanwhile is still some way away from being a decent contender at hard court tournaments. The Italian is capable of producing bouts of sensational tennis, but lacks the consistency at times – especially away from the clay. Expect Djere to be more consistent and force Musetti into committing unforced errors.
Prediction: Djere in 3
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