It’s time for the second round of the 2023 ATP ASB Classic in Auckland, with all matches contested on Day 3. Once again, the weather is an issue in Auckland and all the matches on Tuesday were played indoors. We still don’t know if that will be the case for Wednesday as well. But for now, top-seed Casper Ruud takes on Laslo Djere to make his first regular ATP appearance of the year (meaning not in the United Cup). Who do you think will advance? We also look at the rest of the matches in a separate article.
ATP Auckland Day 3 Predictions
J.J. Wolf vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Giron 2-0
J. J. Wolf seems like the favorite on paper, but Marcos Giron took both of their previous meetings (Cleveland Challenger 2019, Cincinnati 2021). In the past, the younger of the two Americans used to have a big tendency to overhit and really struggled with his shot selection, making solid players like Giron a tough matchup for him. Are these days completely over for him? No, but if he can play with the same maturity that saw him dispatch Adrian Mannarino in the opening round, he should come out on top here.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
Ben Shelton vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-head: First meeting
That’s a great opportunity for both players and you can expect very few breaks of serve here. Quentin Halys is finally showing his best at the ATP level, after mostly struggling on the main tour in 2022. Ben Shelton is undeniably the stronger prospect, but does he have an edge in this matchup right now? It should be tight, but Halys could win this if it turns into a contest of who will blast the other off the court. Shelton will need some problem-solving skills to get through this one.
Prediction: Halys in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Norrie 1-0
Both players are kicking off the year in great style. Cameron Norrie went on an unbeaten run as Great Britain’s United Cup No. 1, taking out Taylor Fritz, Rafael Nadal, and Alex de Minaur. Jiri Lehecka had a couple of great showings at that event as well and has already won three times here. Norrie seems to be playing with so much confidence at the moment, but watch out for the young Czech to peak for a set and push him, especially if they have to play indoors again (which would massively raise Lehecka’s chances to make the upset).
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Casper Ruud vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Djere 1-0
Casper Ruud went 1-1 at the United Cup, getting outplayed by Matteo Berrettini. It’s far from a shameful loss of course and the World No. 3 has to be perceived as a threat to win the title here. It feels like his hard-court game has improved to a level where he shouldn’t be troubled by Laslo Djere anymore. The Serbian usually feels more at home on clay and had a very tough battle against Jaume Munar in the opening round, taking it in the deciding tie-break.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
