Felix Auger-Aliassime hopes to continue his impressive start to the season on Day 3 of the ATP 500 in Rotterdam. Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up, is one of the other men scheduled to be in action. The remaining five round-of-32 matches and two round-of-16 contests will be played. We at LWOT predict all the action in two articles, including Daniil Medvedev vs Mattia Bellucci in our other piece.
ATP Rotterdam Day 3 Predictions
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kovacevic is looking to build on reaching his maiden ATP final at last week’s event in Montpellier. However, this is not the draw he would have wanted. Mpetshi Perricard possesses the best serve in tennis, and Kovacevic’s one-handed backhand return is the weakest part of his game. Contests involving the Frenchman are usually close, but he is the more likely man to create opportunities in this matchup.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 2
Matteo Berrettini vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: First meeting
Griekspoor is an impressive indoor hardcourt player, but he did not look convincing despite reaching the quarterfinal last week in Montpellier. The Dutchman almost lost to Richard Gasquet, who equaled a Roger Federer record at the tournament. He might be helped in Rotterdam by Berrettini not being a natural indoor player. None of the Italian’s 16 finals have come indoors, and Griekspoor will also have a home crowd behind him.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Jiri Lehecka
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 1-0 Lehecka
This is the only round-of-16 match in this article. Lehecka’s victory against the big-serving Alexei Popyrin in the last round could help him against Hurkacz. The only previous meeting between these two was last year in Rotterdam, which Hurkacz won 11-9 in a deciding set tiebreak. It will probably come down to fine margins again, but I trust Hurkacz to come good in the big moments.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Andrea Vavassori
Head-to-head: First meeting
Auger-Aliassime has already won two titles this season at the Adelaide International and last week in Montpellier. The Canadian usually plays best at indoor tournaments and has happy memories of winning his first ATP title in Rotterdam three years ago. Vavassori played well in qualifying, but his game is not near the Canadian’s in indoor conditions. Expect Auger-Aliassime to start strongly.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
