The packed Thursday schedule at the ATP Masters Montreal contains all the second-round clashes and will feature plenty of classics. Stefanos Tsitsipas will have to take down the ever-dangerous Kei Nishikori, while Pablo Carreno Busta and Daniil Medvedev try to uphold unbeaten records against Holger Rune and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, respectively. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?
ATP Montreal Day 3 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karen Khachanov recovered from a pretty dramatic performance against Seong-chan Hong in Washington by defeating Gabriel Diallo in the opening round here. The Russian had a much clearer idea as to what to do against a big-hitting opponent like that. Matteo Arnaldi has also been struggling recently when he’s got space to dictate, but handling himself better in fast-paced matchups. If Khachanov is as aggressive as in the opener, this can actually suit Arnaldi, bringing out the best of his excellent court coverage and defense.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Holger Rune vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: Carreno Busta 3-0
Pablo Carreno Busta used to haunt Holger Rune a bit at the beginning of the Dane’s career, including a 6-0 6-3 demolition on these courts two years ago. Now it feels like the tables have turned completely. While it’s not like Rune is at the peak of his powers right now, Carreno Busta is still far from recovering his best form. The Spaniard did well to survive multiple match points against Fabian Marozsan in his opening round, but Rune might be too much of a step up in quality at this stage of his comeback.
Prediction: Rune in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Medvedev 4-0
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was in the semifinals of this event last year and could really use a run right now. That’s because his season so far has been extremely mediocre. The Spaniard skipped the Olympics to focus on the North American swing and while things are slowly heading in the right direction, he’s not setting the world on fire either. It will take some very steady play and sharp shot selection to beat Daniil Medvedev. Not sure it’s the perfect moment for Davidovich Fokina to finally post a win in this rivalry.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-head: 1-1
Kei Nishikori can win matches almost purely on his natural talent and doesn’t need that much play time to get there. That’s what we saw in the opening round against Alex Michelsen as the Japanese pulled off a very impressive win. Getting a day off should help him recover and he’s got the tools to put pressure on the Stefanos Tsitsipas backhand corner. But winning two sets against a player of this quality might be very tough for him physically at this stage.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
