Day 3 at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam promises to produce more exciting indoor tennis. Last week’s champion in Montpellier, Alexander Bublik will be looking to continue his fine form. The Kazakh faces a tough test against Andy Murray, who will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Australian Open. The closest match of the day could be Alex De Minaur vs Mackenzie McDonald. I predict four of Wednesday’s matches in this article, with remaining four in a separate article.
ATP Rotterdam Day 3 Predictions
<2h4>Alex De Minaur vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head to Head: 1-0 De Minaur
Alex De Minaur looked in brilliant form during his opening round win over David Goffin. The Australian won the first set 6-0, and he was able to effectively wear the Belgian down from the back of the court. De Minaur was also able to consistently make Goffin play an extra ball, and did not give away cheap unforced errors.
Mackenzie McDonald also put in a consistent performance in the opening round. The American took advantage of an out of sorts Nikoloz Basilashvili, defeating the Georgian in only sixty five minutes. McDonald is now at a career high ranking of 49 and he has a great chance of getting himself seeded for grand slams. McDonald is an excellent mover and is very difficult to hit through.
This should be a close match, given both players playing with similar game styles. It is a tough one to call, but I think the Australian will get the win in three tight sets.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Hugo Gaston vs Soonwoo Kwon
Head to Head: 1-0 Kwon
Hugo Gaston is a lucky loser this week, having been defeated in qualifying. The Frenchman has a unique game style, and he often make use of the drop shot. Gaston’s variety makes him difficult to play, as can be very unpredictable. He has had success indoors. At the Paris Masters last year, the Frenchman has a notable fourth round win over Carlos Alcaraz, in a run to the quarterfinals. However, this season the Frenchman is yet to win a main tour match. In Montpellier last week, Kwon defeated him for the loss of only three games.
Soonwoo Kwon won his first ATP Title in Nur-Sultan. The South Korean is currently ranked at 53 in the rankings, and despite not possessing massive firepower, he maintains a consistent rally tempo. Kwon rarely gives away points with unforced errors, and he can outlast opponents from the back of the court.
Given the fact that Gaston lost heavily last week and was defeated in qualifying, I think Kwon will win in straight sets.
Prediction: Kwon in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head to Head: 1-1
Hubert Hurkacz looked good in his opening round win against Jo Wilfred Tsonga. Despite being set point down in the second set, the poor remained calm and pressured Tsonga into making unforced errors. Hurkacz possesses a great serve and forehand, however he needs to improve his return. Too often Tsonga was allowed to easily hold serve. Despite this, Hurkacz is more than capable of winning the title here this week.
Lorenzo Musetti recorded a much needed win in the opening round against Mikael Ymer. The Italian failed to convert any of the two match points he had in the second set, but mentally recovered well in the third. Musetti has great potential, however he needs to work on his temperament. It will be interesting to see if he can replicate the success he has had on clay courts, on the other surfaces this season. He is one of the brightest prospects in the sport.
I think Hurkacz will have too much for the Italian, recording a straight sets win.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Alexander Bublik vs Andy Murray
Head to Head: 1-0 Murray
Alexander Bublik won his first ATP Title in Montpellier last week. The Kazakh recorded an impressive three set win over Roberto Bautista Agut during his run to the final. In the title match, Bublik used the drop shot to great effect against Alexander Zverev and the German could not live with Bublik’s impressive serving. One criticism of Bublik has been that he cannot consistently remain fully focused week in, week out on the tour. However, winning hi first title could be the catalyst that Bublik requires to take his game to the next level. It would be good to see the Kazakh reach his full potential.
Andy Murray decided to accept a wild card into the main draw this week. The Brit had a great start to 2022, reaching the final at the ATP 250 event in Sydney. Despite being outplayed by Aslan Karatsev in the final, Murray produced a high level of tennis all week. Despite a disappointing loss to Taro Daniel in the second round of the Australian Open, Murray looks to be in good shape physically. It will be interesting to see how he looks to finish points quickly on the slow indoor courts this week.
This should be an exciting match. I think it will go to three sets. However, I think the Brit is the more consistent of the two players. I think he will get the win in three sets.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
