The stormy weather in Rio de Janeiro meant only a handful of Day 2 matches were completed at the ATP Rio Open. Despite this, we’ve got some intriguing matches in store, including the all-lefty battle between Cameron Norrie and Thiago Monteiro. As throughout the week, we will be offering up our predictions on the day’s play. So, who will come out on top?
ATP Rio de Janeiro Day 3 Predictions
Alex Molcan vs Hugo Dellien
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s been far from an ideal start to 2023 for Alex Molcan, who has won just two matches and lost four. He was impressive at the Australian Open where he took down Stan Wawrinka in five sets and had a two sets to love lead over Felix Auger-Aliassime, but not much else has gone his way. He fought off the 16-year-old local wild card Joao Fonseca in the first round, but didn’t have to do too much as the youngster struggled with nerves. From what I’ve seen over the last 6 months or so, Molcan looks a lot more comfortable on hard courts than clay right now.
Dellien had a fantastic week in Cordoba where he reached the semifinals before losing to Sebastian Baez. He is right at home on the clay, and the conditions in Rio should suit him pretty well if his forehand is firing. I more than expect this to be a tight battle – both can make lives difficult for each other in different ways. Molcan is crafty and can create immense angles from all over the court, whereas Dellien is a brilliant defender and his movement is great.
Molcan for me is making too many basic errors tight now, and Dellien isn’t someone you want to lose the long rallies to. Molcan’s first win on the clay this season would’ve boosted some confidence, but I’ll go with the more reliable and solid player in Dellien.
Prediction: Dellien in 3
Thiago Monteiro vs Cam Norrie
Head-to-head: Monteiro 1-0
This should be an absolute cracker. Monteiro played one of the best matches of his career in the first round to beat Dominic Thiem. He dominated the first set, and while Thiem was the better player for the rest of the match, he took advantage of Thiem’s errors at crucial times and played brilliantly to take the final set tiebreak. There’s always been great potential with Monteiro–he’s got a wicked forehand and a good serve to set this shot up. Playing at home is also a huge boost for the Brazilian.
Norrie has looked far from convincing over the past week or so. He struggled his way to the final in Buenos Aires where he was soundly beaten by Carlos Alcaraz, and could well have lost before that. It was a tough first set on Tuesday against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who served for it, but Norrie found a way to break and it was one way traffic from there. He’s certainly not playing his best tennis at the moment, but he’s become so good at finding ways to win these matches.
The all-lefty battle should be a treat for the eyes. Both hit with a lot of spin on their forehands, and flatten their backhands out a lot. Monterio will look to be aggressive and take the ball early, and with Norrie’s current form, I can see this working for a while–especially with the home crowd roaring Thiago on. However, Norrie is so good defensively and puts balls in such awkward places on the court–which will make the differences in the long rallies when things get tight. It could go either way, but I’ll back the Brit in a nail-biter.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
