The seeds enter play on Day 3 at the ATP Rome Masters. Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov have enjoyed a very fun rivalry over the years. While the Swiss leads the overall head-to-head, it’s tied on clay. Who will come out on top on Friday at the 2023 Italian Open?
ATP Rome Day 3 Predictions
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Fabio Fognini
Head-to-head: Fognini 1-0
Fabio Fognini rolled back the years to beat Andy Murray in the opening round. It’s been a dreadful season for the Italian, but it seems like from time to time, especially on the big stage, he can produce a vintage level. Can he do it again here? It’s kinda doubtful as Miomir Kecmanovic, while definitely not that impressive this year, is the kind of solid guy who will keep Fognini honest.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
Alex de Minaur vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: de Minaur 2-1
Marton Fucsovics has already caused an upset by beating Alex de Minaur this year and it won’t be a shock if he does it again. The Hungarian has shown he’s still capable of coming close to eliminating the very best recently. De Minaur has done so much good work in improving his clay game over the years, but on some rather slow dirt courts like in Rome, it might be a little tougher for him to adapt.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Casper Ruud vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Ruud 1-0
Arthur Rinderknech has just come back after an injury and for what it’s worth, looked pretty good in his dismissal of Flavio Cobolli. Despite his aggressive playstyle, he actually feels quite comfortable on clay and can defend his backhand side much better. He even pushed Casper Ruud in Kitzbuhel two years ago, but that was at altitude. Neither is playing that well right now, but it will be tougher to keep this competitive in Rome.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Stan Wawrinka vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: Wawrinka 7-5
Stan Wawrinka has been playing quite well this clay-court season, but hasn’t been effective in turning that into results. The Swiss is starting to get vulnerable physically too. Grigor Dimitrov could expose that, although purely on tennis quality it’s probably quite close at the moment. Wawrinka really seems like he’s due a good win though and who wouldn’t want to see that Djokovic clash in Round 3?
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
