A number of top Americans are in action on day 3 of the ATP Houston US Clay Court Championships, including Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka. Here are your predictions for Wednesday in Texas.
Michael Mmoh vs Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey edged Daniel Elahi Galan in three sets in the opening round, that win was just his second of the season. Michael Mmoh is in this draw as a lucky loser after finding some success on the ATP Challenger Tour. Despite being a lucky loser, Mmoh has every chance in this match, his form has been better this season than Querrey, who can’t entirely be trusted at this point in terms of being reliable match to match. The trouble for Mmoh is he has limited experience on clay and that means Querrey likely sneaks another win. Querrey in 3
Nick Kyrgios vs Tommy Paul
Tommy Paul is at a career high ranking and benefited from his first round opponent retiring in the third set. Kyrgios edged Mackenzie McDonald in three sets, he’s the volatile surprise package here. Paul is reliable and consistent and is playing well, when Kyrgios is clicking he can play at an elite level. This should be a great match, I’ll go with the consistent American. Paul in 3
Reilly Opelka vs Mitchell Krueger
Opelka leads the h2h 2-1, the Texan Krueger already has three wins this week in Houston as he makes the second round as a qualifier. Krueger also qualified in Delray Beach and Miami and is showing some promise when he plays stateside. Opelka is playing his first match since a surprise opening match defeat in Miami, at 13-7 on the season with two ATP finals (one title, one finals loss), the American is certainly a threat this week. Breaking his serve is difficult, I expect Krueger to battle hard but come up short. Opelka in 2
Gijs Brouwer vs JJ Wolf
Wolf won their only meeting, he stunned Jenson Brooksby in the opening round and is playing some of the best tennis of his career, qualifying for both Indian Wells and Miami. Wolf will be at a career high ranking soon and he’s finally starting to make his mark on the ATP Tour, Brouwer is also at a career high ranking but he’s still ranked outside the top 300. The Dutch player upset a semi retired Feliciano Lopez in the opening round. He’s capable on clay, but Wolf looks to be the stronger of this pair. Wolf in 2
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