The second round starts on the third day of the ATP 250 in Hong Kong. Which men will advance to their first quarterfinal of the year? As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches with you.
ATP Hong Kong Day 3 Predictions
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Juncheng Shang
Head–to–Head: First meeting
Juncheng Shang displayed tremendous resilience and grit to overcome the more experienced Laslo Djere from a set down in the first round and he’ll be looking to take advantage of Botic van de Zandschlup’s lucky win against Shintaro Mochizuki to move into the third round.
The Dutchman has often made solid starts to the season, especially over the last three years Down Under, and will be hoping to keep the consistency going.
While this is set up for the favorite to win, Juncheng Shang will be the more determined to grind out a win and he should take advantage of any opportunities that will likely come his way.
Prediction: Shang in 3
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Karen Khachanov
Head–to–Head: Ruusuvuori 0 – 2 Khachanov
Karen Khachanov will eventually win a major if he can overcome his inconsistencies and lack of fitness. He is unplayable when he is in the mood and the fact that he’s still within the top 20 bracket is a testament to the immense talent the Russian possesses.
Like Khachanov, Emil Ruusuvuori was bugged down with fitness and injury concerns for most of last season. He struggled to get past Benjamin Bonzi in the opening round and if that’s anything to go by, this should be a walk in the park for the Russian. Moreso, Khachanov has been dominant in their head-to-head.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Lorenzo Musetti vs Pavel Kotov
Head–to–Head: Musetti 1 – 0 Kotov
Pavel Kotov’s dominant win over Nuno Borges in the first round only shows this won’t be an easy match for the young Italian especially as he had difficulties defeating the homeboy wild card Chak Lam Coleman.
Musetti is the better player and has superior talent but his performances on hard courts have been unconvincing. Unless he ups his game, this is a winnable match for the Russian and I’m backing him to get over the line in a close encounter.
Prediction: Kotov in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head–to–Head: Tiafoe 3 – 1 Kecmanovic
Frances Tiafoe had a satisfactory 2023 season–even making it into the Top 10 along the line before ending the year at a respectable #16. The American won the title at his home tournament in Houston and made it as far as the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.
His Serbian opponent has made a good start to this season despite all the inconsistencies of last year and if he can replicate his superb first-round win over Daniel Taro, he can close in on the head-to-head.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
