This ATP 500 level event is back in Acapulco for the 30th year as some of the best players in the world have descended upon the pacific coast of Mexico. Despite Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie withdrawing from the event, day three still features many intriguing matchups, including world #5 Taylor Fritz taking on Denis Shapovalov. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Acapulco. But who will advance?
ATP Acapulco Day 3 Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Michael Mmoh
Head-to-Head: Paul 1-4 Mmoh
Tommy Paul and Michael Mmoh are familiar foes due to their time spent together on the Challenger Tour. Mmoh has dominated this head-to-head 4-1, though all five of their previous matches were three-setters. Paul is a much different player than when they last squared off in 2019. He made an extraordinary run to the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year and has proven he can hang with the best in the sport. Mmoh is also amidst a career year and is finding success playing exclusively tour-level events. I expect a fair amount of fun points in this match, but when it matters most, Paul’s consistency and power will be too much for Mmoh to handle.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Feliciano Lopez
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 0-1 Lopez
Sixth seed Frances Tiafoe squares off against former world #12 Feliciano Lopez. The 41-year-old Spaniard secured his first tour-level victory since 2021 when he took down Christopher Eubanks 7-6 6-4 earlier this week. Although he is not the same player he used to be, the veteran lefty still has some magic in his racquet. Tiafoe will pose a much different challenge than Eubanks. The 25-year-old American is playing with confidence. He should be able to push Lopez around the court with ease.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Casper Ruud vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-Head: Ruud 1-0 Daniel
Coming off a career year in 2022, it seems like the pressure (or fatigue) has caught up to Casper Ruud. The 24-year-old Norwegian is just 3-3 this year and was pushed to a third-set tiebreak against world #342 Guido Andreozzi on Monday night in Acapulco. Every win Ruud has had this season seems like a relief. He will look to find some form against Taro Daniel in the second round in Acapulco. Daniel dispatched JJ Wolf 6-4 6-4 and is playing with confidence. He has the tools from the baseline to push Ruud to a third set, but I believe the second seed will lock in when it matters most.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-Head: Fritz 2-5 Shapovalov
Taylor Fritz and Denis Shapovalov are two players trending in opposite directions. Fritz is up to a career-high ranking of #5 in the world and is coming off his fifth career title. Shapovalov is currently ranked #30 in the world, his lowest mark since October 2019. The Canadian is 1-3 in his last four matches. Despite Fritz holding the much better form, Shapovalov has had the American’s number in this matchup. I expect them to put on a great battle for the Acapulco fans but ultimately give Fritz the advantage. His serve is turning into one of the best on tour.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey – USA Today Sports
