The ATP Astana Open has been fascinating so far. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem was one of those to progress on the second day. There are four round of 16 matches, and two round of 32 contests scheduled on the third day. Three of those are predicted in this article. Sebastian Baez and Australian Open quarterfinalist Jiri Lehecka are among the players in action. We at LWOT have a separate article predicting the other three matches in Astana–including Sebastian Korda vs Alexei Popyrin. But which players do you think will advance to the quarterfinals?
ATP Astana Day 3 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Sebastian Ofner
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is the only round of 32 match in this article. It is a difficult one to call. Fucsovics is ranked #57, while Ofner is just one place below at #58. Fucsovics has not played since the US Open, where he stunned Sebastian Korda in the first round in five sets. Hence rustiness could be an issue for the Hungarian. However, Ofner has struggled at ATP hard-court events, holding a 2-6 win/loss record. His ranking is mostly down to his results on clay. That gives Fucsovics a slight edge, who has been consistent across all surfaces throughout his career. The Hungarian to reach the round of 16 at the ATP Astana Open in three sets.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Egor Gerasimov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gerasimov has been the biggest surprise package so far. The world #661 coming through qualifying was a surprise, but he then defeated Bernabe Zapata Miralles in his first ever ATP main draw match. It is still a big ask against Lehecka. The Czech has not played since his disappointing US Open first-round loss to Aslan Karatsev. But he was likely still feeling the mental and physical effects of his loss in the Winston-Salem final a few days previously. Gerasimov will need to serve well in particular to have a chance of extending his good run. Overall though, the well-rounded game of Lehecka is likely to bring Gerasimov’s great week to an end at the ATP Astana Open.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
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Sebastian Baez vs Jurij Rodionov
Head-to-head: First meeting
#107 ranked Rodionov had a thrilling win in the last round against Gregoire Barrere, prevailing in a final-set tiebreak. A few months ago this might have seemed like an ideal draw for Rodionov. Baez had previously only managed any results of note on clay. But he changed all that with his stunning run to the Winston-Salem title last month. The Argentine then followed that up with a run to the third-round at the US Open. It will be interesting to observe if Baez can quickly rediscover his newfound form on hard-courts. His results in North America give me more confidence in him avoiding an upset at the ATP Astana Open.
Prediction: Baez in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
