Seven exciting matches are scheduled on day 3 of the Moselle Open in Metz, France. This article features the top seed, Andrey Rublev, who needs to make a deep run this week to have a chance to secure his spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
ATP Metz Day 3 Predictions
Hugo Gaston vs Titouan Droguet
Head-to-Head: Gaston 1-0 Droguet
Hugo Gaston played some good tennis in Antwerp last month and it looked like he was getting out of his slump, but he played another lacklustre match at the Paris Masters and lost easily to Marcos Giron. Gaston has failed to win a match in Metz in two previous appearances but gets a favourable draw on paper in the first round. Titouan Droguet lost a close second-round qualifying match but is in the main draw as a lucky loser. Droguet doesn’t have much experience at this level but his big serve can cause some problems for Gaston. These two have already played this year and it was a close match despite Gaston winning in straight sets. I am going for the upset here.
Prediction: Droguet in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Bu Yunchaokete
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Adrian Mannarino is slowly getting back to form and played some good tennis in Paris last week. However, his record at the Moselle Open is not good. Mannarino’s first appearance in 2008 remains his best result here, as he has failed to register a win in 5 out of 7 appearances. Bu Yunchaokete had a brilliant Asian Swing but has failed to keep the momentum since then. It’s his first appearance in Metz and it won’t be easy to beat a Frenchman.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Zizou Bergs vs Manuel Guinard
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Zizou Bergs has won some matches on indoor hard courts recently but is still looking for a deep run. He can get one this week if he plays his best tennis. Manuel Guinard is one of the five lucky losers who has made the main draw. Guinard lost quite easily in the second round of qualifying which doesn’t give me any confidence in backing him. Maybe he can turn this luck into something and the crowd support will be there for him, but I am going with Bergs.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-Head: Rublev 1-2 Sonego
Andrey Rublev needs to make the final or better to have any chance of making the ATP Finals, it still might not be enough if other results don’t go his way. He has a tricky opener against a player who gave him some deep scars last year at the French Open. Lorenzo Sonego made a great comeback from two sets down to beat Rublev at the French Open. However, the Italian player has been a shell of himself this year and this is a great opportunity for Rublev to equal the head-to-head.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
