Second-round action begins at the Washington Open on Wednesday as the No. 2 seed, Ben Shelton, will be in action alongside other top players in the draw. Fans can expect a day full of competitive matches as players vie for a spot in the quarterfinals. In two other articles, we have other ATP Washington predictions, including Karen Khachanov vs. Seong-chan Hong and Andrey Rublev vs. Luca Van Assche. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 3. But who will advance?
ATP Washington Day 3 Predictions
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-Head: Kokkinakis 1-0 Vukic
Thanassi Kokkinakis made a good start to his week as he beat the in-form Max Purcell in the first round. The Australian served brilliantly and did not face a break point all match. Kokkinakis has a good chance to win consecutive matches for the first time at the Washington Open. Aleksandar Vukic retired in the first round in Atlanta last week and will hope for a better start this time around. The last time these two met, it was a close match. Kokkinakis won that, and I expect a similar result.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 3
Reilly Opelka vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-Head: Opelka 1-0 Thompson
Reilly Opelka played a late-night match in the first round as he defeated James Duckworth from a set down. Opelka hit 27 aces and did not face a break point behind his serve. The big man has played some good tennis since his comeback and is a threat to everyone this week. Jordan Thompson is having his best season on the ATP tour. He reached the final in Atlanta last week and looks set for another run here at the Washington Open. Thompson is a good returner and if he can put enough balls back, he has a shot to win.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Ben Shelton vs Radu Albot
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Ben Shelton, the No. 2 seed, will play for the first time this week, hoping to improve on his performance from the previous week. It takes time for Shelton to get into rhythm and this will be a good matchup for him to do so. He is looking to win his first match at this event. Radu Albot came from qualifying and looked good in his matches. Albot is not at his best anymore but still packs a punch on hard courts. Shelton will need to serve well to get out of this match without much fuss. Albot does not have a big serve and will have to fight for points most of the time.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
