Eight entertaining matches will be played on Day 3 of the ATP Brisbane International. This article features Nick Kyrgios, returning to the tour after 18 months, taking on French phenom Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the next round?
ATP Brisbane Day 3 Predictions
Reilly Opelka vs Federico Agustin Gomez
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Reilly Opelka has got some matches under his belt since his comeback in July and will look to have a successful and injury-free 2025 season. Opelka is in the main draw of this event for the first time, and his big serve will be lethal on these hard courts. Federico Agustin Gomez did exceptionally well in qualifiers and will play just his fourth main draw match of his career. This is a big match for the Argentine player, and he can keep this match close with his big serve. However, I have more confidence in Opelka.
Prediction: Opelka in 3
Alexei Popyrin vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: Popyrin 1-2 Arnaldi
Alexei Popyrin enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024, demonstrating his ability to compete with the best players. He will look to improve this year and push to improve his rankings. Matteo Arnaldi couldn’t improve much in 2024 compared to 2023, but a semifinal run in Canada showed his capabilities as a player. Arnaldi is on a three-match losing streak, and ending that against the home favourite won’t be easy. These two have always played close matches, and I expect the same at ATP Brisbane.
Prediction: Popyrin in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Adam Walton
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Frances Tiafoe found much-needed form in the second half of 2024. However, he ended the season losing six of his last 10 matches in all competitions. When Tiafoe is dialed in, he is one of the best players to watch on the tour, but consistency has been his biggest issue. This can be a great season for the American if he can stay focused and perform like he can. Adam Walton will provide a serious challenge since the audience will be behind him. But I don’t think his odds are good if Tiafoe takes this seriously.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Nick Kyrgios vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-Head: First meeting
The much-anticipated return of Nick Kyrgios is finally happening after a year and a half on the sidelines due to injury. Kyrgios has been on the talks for various reasons, but now his racquet has to do the talking. The Australian player is a former champion of the Brisbane International and will look to make a winning return on his home soil. However, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is one of the worst opponents to face in your first match. Perricard had a brilliant 2024 season, and he is only 21. This match is a battle between two of the best servers on tour, so expect a lot of aces. Kyrgios’s fitness and level will be unpredictable, so backing the Frenchman seems wise.
Prediction: Perricard in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
