The up-and-coming Learner Tien defeated World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open this year and will now be coming up against World No. 2 Alexander Zverev in Acapulco. Both players possess the ability to make life a living hell for their opponents, often using the strategy of dragging down the level of the other competitor. It should result in a fascinating matchup; who do you think will take it?
ATP Acapulco Day 3 Predictions
Denis Shapovalov vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Acapulco is known for its thrillers and late finishes with Alex Michelsen and Bu Yunchaokete delivering one of them last night. The American will now be taking on Denis Shapovalov, who’s already won an ATP 500 event this year. The Dallas champion wasn’t perfect in the opener against Nishesh Basavareddy and was giving away games, but once he did lock in his game looked much better. He should be able to win the baseline battle here against a potentially tired opponent.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-0
It was quite the comeback in the second set as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated Mattia Bellucci from four consecutive match points down in the tie-break. This must have felt good for the Spaniard, who recently blew a big lead in the Delray Beach final against Miomir Kecmanovic. But even after just one round, Frances Tiafoe should be coming in a lot fresher here. The level of intensity the American plays at fluctuates heavily, but he shouldn’t shy away from a good opportunity in this draw.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Holger Rune vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: Nakashima 3-0
Brandon Nakashima has granted Holger Rune a couple of heavy defeats in the last few years, but were these more representative of a matchup issue or just the Dane’s mercurial nature? That’s tough to say. Nakashima didn’t start this season well and has been struggling especially on return. That’s not something that Rune will particularly abuse, but it does feel like the 21-year-old is usually a little more focused in the Acapulco conditions and has the time to figure things out. Maybe this is where he finally beats Nakashima.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alexander Zverev had a pretty rough Golden Swing (at least for his standards), falling in quarterfinal matches to Francisco Cerundolo and Francisco Comesana. Most importantly, once he fell behind he didn’t quite have the intensity and drive to fight for these wins. But that felt different against Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round here. Learner Tien has such a unique game and it will be fascinating to see Zverev try to handle it. He will probably succeed, one way or another.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
