The Winston-Salem Open in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the final lead-up event to the US Open. Established in 2011, this 250-level event brings in some younger, talented players looking to make noise at an ATP hardcourt event. Day 3 of the Winston-Salem Open is loaded with second-round matches, including No. 7 seed Arthur Fils taking on Brandon Nakashima. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Winston-Salem – in two separate articles, featuring Borna Coric vs Rinky Hijikata and Sebastian Korda vs Benjamin Bonzi. But who will advance?
ATP Winston-Salem Day 3 Predictions
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Omni Kumar
Head-to-Head: first meeting
No. 8 Botic van de Zandschulp squares off against Lucky Loer Omni Kumar in the second round in Winston-Salem. Kumar, a 21-year-old American, picked up the best win of his career when he took down Arthur Rinderknech in Round 1. It was the first tour-level win of his young career. Unfortunately for Kumar, he will have a tough time hanging with the baseline consistency of van de Zandschulp. The Dutchman will be able to push Kumar around the court all match long.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 2
Aleksander Vukic vs Luca Van Assche
Head-to-Head: Vukic 0-1 Van Assche
No. 9 seed Aleksander Vukic begins his Winston-Salem Open campaign against Luca Van Assche. The 19-year-old Frenchman picked up the first ATP hardcourt victory of his career on Monday over Thai Son Kwiatkowski. Van Assche brings a solid baseline game and high-level movement to the court. That said, he will have to raise his level if he wants to beat Vukic. The Aussie holds a 7-4 record during the North American hardcourt swing with five top-40 wins. Vukic will be too strong from the back of the court, as the Frenchman will have a limited way to win points in this match.
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Prediction: Vukic in 2
Laslo Djere vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Head-to-Head: first meeting
No. 4 seed Laslo Djere takes on 22-year-old Argentinian Facundo Diaz Acosta in the second round in Winston-Salem. This year, Diaz Acosta has been a terrific Challenger-level player, posting a 32-10 record. He picked up his second career ATP victory on Monday when he came from a set down to take down Quentin Halys. The young Argentinian has a bright future ahead of him, but it is a tall task to see him getting a victory over a top-35 player on a hard court.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-Head: Fils 1-0 Nakashima
19-year-old Arthur Fils has had a tremendous year to break into the world’s top 50. He holds a 33-15 record across all levels this season, including 16 wins over top 100 players. He takes on Brandon Nakashima in Round 2 of the Winston-Salem Open. Fils bested Nakashima 7-5 4-6 7-6 on the clay courts of Lyon earlier this year. The 22-year-old American has struggled to find form this season as he deals with a knee injury. He picked up a three-set win over Jason Kubler in Round 1 for just his fourth win since June. Nakashima is the better hardcourt player, but I trust Fils’ ability to sustain a high level as the match progresses.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui – USA TODAY Sports
