The start of the 2022 ATP Tennis Napoli Cup in Naples, Italy has been nothing short of problematic as poor court conditions have caused delays around the event. Day 3 is expected to feature a good amount of first and second-round matches as the tournament looks to get back on schedule. Four players are looking to book their spot in the quarterfinals, including Matteo Berrettini who takes on Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena. We at LWOT will have the prediction for that match as well as other happenings around the grounds of Naples. But who will advance?
ATP Naples Day 3 Predictions
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: first meeting
#5 seed Miomir Kecmanovic is looking to close out what has been a very successful 2022 season. The 23-year-old Serbian currently holds a career-high ranking of World No. 29. After dismantling Italian wildcard Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2 in round one, Kecmanovic is on the brink of his ninth quarterfinal appearance of the season. In his way is young Frenchman Corentin Moutet. Moutet bested young Italian phenom, Luca Nardi, in a three-hour and 31-minute round one thriller. The lefty Frenchman has an unorthodox retrieving style of play that is tough to play against. Kecmanovic must use patience and be willing to hit a few extra balls during every point. I think the Serb’s game has matured to a point where he will be able to break down Moutet.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Both currently outside the World’s Top 70, Daniel Galan and Nuno Borges have a huge opportunity to reach the quarterfinals in Naples. It would be Galan’s third Tour-level quarterfinal of the year, and Borges’ first. Galan, who has been a Challenger-level player for most of his career, is finally starting to get some traction on the ATP Tour. He is 6-3 in his last nine ATP matches including a run to the San Diego quarterfinals last month. Borges has played in just 13 career tour-level matches and is much more comfortable on the clay. I expect these two to have many long rallies from the baseline, with the victor being whoever can stay more consistent. I believe that will be the Colombian.
Prediction: Galan in 3
Taro Daniel vs Pedro Cachin
Head-to-Head: Daniel 1-0 Cachin
Taro Daniel and Pedro Cachin are set to square off for the first time since 2015 as both players eye a spot in the Naples quarterfinals. Daniel is just 12-19 on the ATP Tour this season and has not secured back-to-back wins since early August. Cachin, on the other hand, has played some very solid tennis over the past four months. He is 18-5 since July 1st with Challenger titles in Todi and Santo Domingo. Daniel has a much better history on hard courts. In fact, Cachin has played just 35 of his 630 career professional matches on hard courts. With that said, the 27-year-old Argentine is one of the most resilient players on tour. I like his chances to reach his second career tour-level quarterfinal.
Prediction: Cachin in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-Head: Berrettini 1-1 Carballes Baena
#2 seed Matteo Berrettini eyes a quarterfinal appearance on home soil but will have to beat Roberto Carballes Baena to get there. This is the second meeting in as many weeks between the two as the Spaniard was able to get the best of Berrettini 5-7 7-6 7-5 last week in Florence. It was one of the best wins of the 29-year-old Spaniard’s career. Although he played well in last week’s victory, Carballes Baena did not do anything specific to frustrate the Italian. Berrettini gave away a lot of free points, something I expect him to clean up this week. I would be shocked if the Spaniard was able to get the best of Berrettini in back-to-back weeks.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
