Hubert Hurkacz and Matteo Berrettini both claimed ATP Tour titles last week. Now the Estoril and Marrakech champions will try to follow up their success at the ATP 1000 in Monte Carlo. With both facing some pretty tough opposition, who do you think will make the next stage of the event?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 3 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: Etcheverry 3-2
These two have formed a pretty nice rivalry in the last couple of years, including a main tour final in Santiago in 2023. Nicolas Jarry was also the opponent that Tomas Martin Etcheverry got injured against in Buenos Aires recently. The Argentinian was in Houston last week, and while he made the semifinals, that probably won’t help him adjust to the conditions. Nicolas Jarry had more time to practice on the European clay and in this matchup, details often matter.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Zhizhen Zhang vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Zhang 1-0
On paper, Zhizhen Zhang has a much better clay game here, but consistency remains a big issue for the Chinese. Marcos Giron has also improved on the dirt over the years and was already picking up some pretty solid wins in 2023. Zhang will need to be cautious not to start overhitting, but at least in theory, he’s got the power to blast through every court or condition. It’s a big test for him, as drawing Giron in a big event on clay has to be perceived as an opportunity.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0
Matteo Berrettini is coming off clinching his 8th ATP Tour title in Marrakech, which was an awesome effort, given it was just his third event of the season. The Italian survived tough challenges from Jaume Munar or Mariano Navone, and it will only make him stronger for the rest of the year. Can he also pick up a win in Monte Carlo? Miomir Kecmanovic’s recent form would suggest so, although Berrettini will need to show he has it in him physically to go again just two days after the Marrakech final.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-1
Hubert Hurkacz is another ATP Tour champion from last week coming over to Monte Carlo with the Pole picking up his first clay court title on the main tour in Estoril. The draw wasn’t kind to him as he faces Jack Draper, who pushed him very hard at this event last year. The Brit might not be known for his clay efforts either, but he’s got what it takes to compete on the surface with the lefty forehand topspin. Expect another tough battle between the two.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
