Plenty of exciting youngsters have made it to the second round at the ATP Antwerp Open and it promises to be an entertaining third day in Belgium. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate on day three, including Gregoire Barrere vs Alexander Bublik. But who will advance?
ATP Antwerp Day 3 Predictions
Alexander Shevchenko vs Juan Pablo Varillas
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players managed to pull off some pretty unexpected victories in the opening round. Alexander Shevchenko was able to take out Benjamin Bonzi, whereas Juan Pablo Varillas came back from 2-5 down in the first set to defeat Fabian Marozsan in straights. These two have made a significant improvement in their games off clay, but it’s clear who’ll be the more dangerous one going forward. Shevchenko has already won a hard-court Challenger this year, took sets off Hubert Hurkacz or Jannik Sinner on this surface too.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 2
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David Goffin vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-head: first meeting
Giovanni Mpetschi Perricard scored his first ATP Tour win in the opening round, despite getting bageled by Roberto Carballes Baena in the first set. It’s a great story as the Frenchman wasn’t even in the qualifying draw here to begin with, he got in as a last-minute substitution. His massive serve will do damage here and David Goffin can hardly keep a steady level these days. But if Carballes Baena was able to make Mpetshi Perricard’s backhand look so inadequate defensively, the Belgian will abuse that even more.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
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Arthur Fils vs Mark Lajal
Head-to-head: first meeting
Mark Lajal was another player who scored his first tour-level win here, playing a fantastic match against Jaume Munar. The Estonian picked up his first Challenger title this year and seems to be an up-and-coming prospect who could threaten to become his country’s best-ever player in the future. His attacking game loves indoor conditions too. The only problem is that he’s facing a fellow NextGen star who’s already way more developed. It should a great show and a bit of a glimpse into the future of these indoor ATP 250s.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
