After a day of massive shocks, day three of the Rio Open promises to deliver more exciting matches. Here are my predictions for the top four matches of the day’s play.
2019 Rio Open Day 3 Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Jaume Munar
Both players enjoyed straight sets victories in their opening matches, with Norrie recording an impressive 6-2 6-1 win over Dusan Lajovic. The young Spaniard produced a fine performance of his own, beating experience Argentine Leonardo Mayer. The key to this match will be the Norrie first serve. Even though he won comfortably, he won less than 50% of points on his second serve. With Munar possessing the more powerful forehand, he will be able to punish it effectively. This is the first meeting between the pair and I predict a close encounter, but I reckon Munar will get the win in two tight sets.
Prediction: Munar in 2
Aljaz Bedene vs Thiago Monteiro
Aljaz Bedene produced one of the performances of the first round to defeat in form Italian Marco Cecchinato in straight sets. The Slovenian has a very solid all round game, and is clearly a better player than his current ranking of #83 in the world would suggest. Wild card Thiago Monteiro is a promising player, who has a game specially suited to clay. Although he may have struggled to breakthrough on other surfaces, on the clay, he has the potential to do damage and this was shown in an impressive 6-3 6-2 win over Pedro Sousa. With many of the seeds knocked out, both players will sense the opportunity to go deep into the tournament, and I expect a cagey affair with the Slovenian getting the win in three tight sets.
Prediction Bedene in 3
Christian Garin vs Felix Auger Aliassime
Young Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime recorded the most impressive victory of his career in defeating Fabio Fognini in the opening round, and he is showing the tennis world of his bright future in the game. With the draw now opening up, he has a great chance to have the most successful week of his career so far and pick up a lot of ranking points. The same can be said for the Chilean, who has had success on clay in the past winning the 2013 junior Roland Garros title. With three Challenger title wins in 2018, Garin will relish the opportunity to have success at Tour level. I predict a close three setter with the Chilean coming through in three sets.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Diego Schwartzman vs Pablo Cuevas
This match started last night, with the Uruguayan getting off to a quick start and a 3-0 lead before rain curtailed the day’s play. Both players’ favourte surface is clay and this should end up being a tight three setter. Schwartzman is the defending champion and with many of the seeds being knocked out in the opening round, he will fancy his chances of defending his title. The Uruguayan has never won at ATP 500 title before, but has had success on the clay winning the title in Istanbul. I predict Cuevas to take the first set, but I think Schwartzman will edge the match in three sets.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
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