The second round begins at the ATP Hangzhou Open on Friday and with that, the top players will be in action. #2 seed, Karen Khachanov and #4 seed, Brandon Nakashima will feature for the first time this week. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 3. But who will advance?
ATP Hangzhou Day 3 Predictions
Alexander Shevchenko vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Alexander Shevchenko lost just two games in the first round and conceded only one point behind his serve in the entire match. This is a great opportunity for Shevchenko to win consecutive matches for the first time since May. He will face Mikhail Kukushkin, who won his first ATP tour match of the year in the first round. It was an impressive win for Kukushkin but he hasn’t won two matches on the main tour since 2021. And I can’t see that happening against Shevchenko.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 3
Fabian Marozsan vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Fabian Marozsan completely dominated Luca Nardi in the first round and looked at his absolute best from both wings. When he is playing like this, he is a force to be reckoned with. Rinky Hijikata has become a reliable player this year and doesn’t hand out losses. He had to dig deep in the first round to get the win. This promises to be a close contest but Marozsan has the edge for me.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs Coleman Wong
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Brandon Nakashima is one of the favourites to win the first edition of the Hangzhou Open this week. He has been playing well on hard courts & delivered three impressive Davis Cup victories in Zhuhai for the U.S.A. The improvement in serve has added extra spice to his aggressive game. Coleman Wong became the first player from Hong Kong to win a tour-level match since 1972. The qualifier has been in impressive form at the Challenger level. However, Nakashima is a step up and Wong is not yet ready for it.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Karen Khachanov vs Bu Yunchaokete
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Karen Khachanov is the second seed this week and a contender to win the title. Khachanov’s season has derailed since the French Open loss as he has won just three of his last 10 matches. This is a great opportunity for him to get some match wins and confidence. He’ll face local talent, Bu Yunchaokete, who has very little experience on the main tour and won just his second ATP tour match in the first round. Khachanov is not in the best form but he should win this.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
