Next Gen ATP Finals Day 3 Predictions Including Lorenzo Musetti vs Jack Draper

Day three at the Next Gen ATP Finals will see the round-robin action come to an end on what should be an exciting day of tennis in Milan. All eight players in the field are in action and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will come out on top?

Next Gen ATP Finals Day 3 Predictions

Matteo Arnaldi vs Jiri Lehecka

Head-to-head: first meeting

It’s hard not be impressed with what Matteo Arnaldi has produced so far this week. The young Italian was the first alternate, and despite not winning a match yet, he’s certainly making his place in the tournament count. Equipped with a great serve and a ferocious forehand, he’s no doubt brimming with talent. However, he clearly lacks experience of big matches – which cost him dearly when serving for the match against Francisco Passaro.

Jiri Lehecka, meanwhile, has already proven himself this year as an excellent indoor hard court player – reaching the semifinals in Rotterdam. He struggled on Wednesday against Nakashima, but his aggressive game should suit him better here. Arnaldi will be very up for the occasion and will have the crowd behind him – which will make things interesting. Lehecka has the more experience, and this will matter a great deal as the match goes on. The Czech should take this one.

Prediction: Lehecka in 5
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Brandon Nakashima vs Francesco Passaro

Head-to-head: first meeting

Brandon Nakashima looked like he would be in the reckoning for the title this week, all the more so after Holger Rune’s withdrawal. He’s looked as solid as ever this week, and despite a scare against Arnaldi, he looked ruthless against Lehecka – giving his semifinal chances a huge boost. The young American has gained heaps of experience on the main tour this past year, and this will no doubt be of great help to him as the week progresses.

Passaro produced an epic comeback against a nervous Arnaldi, and he’s absolutely loving the conditions and the home support this week. He’s got a great game and his easy access to power his serving him well on these quick courts. Nakashima looks to have warmed up nicely now, and he’s going to be really difficult to hit through. The young American may have a wayward set, but this match should be his for the taking.

Prediction: Nakashima in 4
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Tseng Chun-hsin vs Dominic Stricker

Head-to-head: first meeting

Dominic Stricker has shot right into title contention this week. The young Swiss has been borderline unplayable this week, scoring wins over tournament favourites Lorenzo Musetti and Jack Draper. His powerful lefty game has seen him win six out of eight tiebreaks this week, and he surely can’t be doubted now – as he’s the first man to qualify for the semifinals.

Tseng Chun-hsin, in contrast, has struggled this week, taking just the one set off Draper so far. The courts seem a bit fast to suit his game, whereas the conditions fit perfectly into Stricker’s strengths. He may take it slightly easier as he’s already qualified – so Tseng may grab a set – but expect Stricker will simply be too good, and too powerful.

Prediction: Stricker in 4
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Lorenzo Musetti vs Jack Draper

Head-to-head: first meeting

This is surely the most exciting match-up of the group stage between the two pre-tournament favourites. Rune’s withdrawal resulted in these two being the main contenders, however, it’s not been easy going for either player with Stricker getting the better of the pair of them. Still Musetti has warmed up nicely to the indoor hard courts towards the back end of this season and it looks like he’s found a great balance between his more naturally conservative game and the need to take attacking risks on this surface.

Draper, coming to the end of his first full season on the tour, hasn’t looked 100% so far, although there was little he could to Stricker who simply outplayed him at his own game. This match will be very interesting and will determine who makes it out of the group. If Draper can perform to a higher level then he’s right in this contest, as Musetti will be fired up in front of his home crowd. It really is a 50/50 call, but give the edge to Musetti as he’s had more indoor success recently.

Prediction: Musetti in 5

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Jethro Broughton

I'm a recent Philosophy graduate from Cardiff University with a huge passion for sport. Having written extensively in subjects such as Philosophy and English over the past 5 years, I have developed my writing skills a great deal. This combined with my love for sport has inspired me to write about about what I love, which is hugely exciting for me. My main sports are tennis and rugby.