The second round of the ATP Rome Masters starts on Day 3 of main draw play, which means the seeds step onto the court. Will any fall at the first hurdle? As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches. We split the day’s 16 matches between four articles. The other three articles feature Novak Djokovic vs Corentin Moutet, Taylor Fritz vs Fabio Fognini, and Alexander Zverev vs Aleksandar Vukic. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Rome Day 3 Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Dimitrov has had a bit of a resurgence recently, including this year. And he’s always enjoyed the clay, even if it’s not his best surface. Nishioka, meanwhile, is nothing special on the clay. The Bulgarian should win easily.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Lorenzo Musetti vs Terence Atmane
Atmane already has three matches under his belt here, as he came through qualifying. Musetti is a prodigious talent, especially on clay, but he’s vulnerable at times. If there will be a big upset on Friday, this should be towards the top of the list. Still, I think it’s likelier than not that Musetti survives.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Nuno Borges
Bublik used to alternate between being a crowd-pleaser and an uber-talented up-and-comer. At the moment, unfortunately, he seems to be neither. He’s better overall than Borges and better on clay, but the Portuguese is more consistent at the moment. Maybe that’s enough.
Prediction: Borges in 3
Casper Ruud vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Ruud might never win a Grand Slam. He’s had his chances but never been able to close the deal. And he might not quite be able to take down the elites of the elites. But he’s one of the best players on Tour, and won’t fall early in a big event like this.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
