16 second-round matches are scheduled on Day 3 of the ATP Rome Masters, and there are lots of fun encounters to watch throughout the day. This article features #6 seed Alex de Minaur, who will take on home player Matteo Arnaldi. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all the matches. But which players will advance?
ATP Rome Day 3 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-Head: Khachanov 2-1 Shevchenko
Karen Khachanov’s clay season has not gone as planned, with just one match win in three tournaments. His record here is not ideal either, but he did play a great match against Carlos Alcaraz in 2025 and will look to bring that level this week. Alexander Shevchenko got a great win over Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the first round. He kept on fighting and being aggressive even when he was behind on the scoreboard, which ultimately led to his victory. Khachanov will have to raise his level to win this match.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Alexander Blockx
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Tallon Griekspoor has won just one match at this event in his career, as the slow conditions don’t suit his game and tactics. He can lose patience in these conditions and make quite a lot of unforced errors. Alexander Blockx has impressed everyone this season, and he is getting better with each tournament. It’s never easy to back up a great run, but he looks to have the calmness and mental strength required to do so. He got better as his first-round match progressed, and I expect him to continue the momentum.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Luciano Darderi vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-Head: Darderi 3-0 Hanfmann
This is a rematch of this year’s Chile Open title in Santiago, where Luciano Darderi defeated Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets. Darderi was playing some high-quality tennis at the time, but his form hasn’t been like that recently, which gives Hanfmann the chance to get revenge. However, Darderi will enjoy a lot of crowd support, which may help him find his best tennis and record one more win over the German player.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: De Minaur 1-0 Arnaldi
Matteo Arnaldi is playing some of his best tennis in a long time, which is great news for Italian tennis and not so great for Alex de Minaur. Arnaldi has a great game on clay when he is on, and it will make the Australian uncomfortable on these slow courts. De Minaur must take advantage of Arnaldi’s subpar serve and not let him settle because, from the baseline, I think the Italian has more variety and control on this surface.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
