The slow nature of the courts certainly seem to be having their effect on the performances and results so far in Paris. We certainly need to be keeping an eye out for players who are capable on slower surfaces but still enjoy the stillness of the air conditions. The second round matches begin in earnest today and some tighter encounters are expected.
ATP Paris Masters Day 3 Predictions
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Dominik Koepfer
Head-to-head: First meeting
The German has already had his bags packed at this tournament. Once quite literally as he lost in qualifying to Miomir Kecmanovic and also figuratively as he survived seven match points against Andy Murray in the opening round too. I think that by this stage Koepfer has used up all of his lives. Auger-Aliassime didn’t make the opening match easy on himself either going to three sets, but by the end of the match he had definitely round his range and was dominant. I expect some semblance of that form to transfer over into this match and create a difference in quality between the players.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Marcos Giron vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: first meeting
Giron produced a great comeback in the opening round against his compatriot Frances Tiafoe. Schwartzman made hard work of getting past John Millman, also taking three sets to gain the victory. On normal indoor hard surfaces I would be favoring Giron here, I think there’s something about his game at the moment that deserves a lot of respect. However, Schwartzman is going to be difficult to pass on these courts so it brings it back into the balance. I am still going to lean towards the American though to cause a minor upset because Schwartzman doesn’t look quite dialled in at the moment.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Sebastian Korda vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Korda 1-0 Cilic
I’m finding this one a tough one to call. Obviously, Korda is the coming man whereas Cilic is approaching the nadir of his career but the big Croat has been in fine form of late and his record indoors is superb across his whole career, winning 66% of his matches under a roof. Korda won their encounter earlier in the year but it is clear to see that Cilic is in much better shape now. Both are strong servers and at least one tie-break is a real possibility. I like the chances of Cilic here, he is on a roll and I slightly favour him to edge the match.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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Grigor Dimitrov vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 1-0 Khachanov
It is difficult to explain what happened to Dimitrov in his opening match. Sets 1 and 3 against Richard Gasquet were everything I expected; great movement, too good on serve. But he allowed the Frenchman back into the match needlessly and it is that weakness that prevents him from winning these big titles. Khachanov also has those weaknesses though and the Russian has had an average year for a man of his ability. These players are closely matched in most aspects of their game and I expect a tight one with changes of momentum. The Bulgarian is the one I will side with though as he strikes me as the player in the better form at the moment.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
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