We enter the second round on Day 3 of the ATP Adelaide International 2. We preview four matches in this article, and four more in a sister article, which features Gael Monfils vs Thiago Monteiro amongst others.
ATP Adelaide 2 Day 3 Predictions
Jaume Munar vs Marin Cilic
H2H: First meeting
There looks to have been some improvement in Munar’s game over the last few months. He has performed admirably on the hard courts recently, culminating in a comprehensive 6-2 6-2 success over John Millman in the opening round. Cilic meanwhile put in a disappointing performance in the semifinals last week here in Adelaide but before that he had looked impressive. The Croatian should be winning this with his pedigree and results that are of a generally higher level than the Spaniard.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Karen Khachanov vs Gianluca Mager
H2H: Khachanov 1-0 Mager
A timely run to the final for the big Russian last week means that he is in good form ahead of this match. Mager will be confident from turning around a match against Egor Gerasimov in the last round. He will need to perform better again here though aas Khachanov will be very comfortable in his surroundings and very difficult to break. I give the edge to the Russian player.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Corentin Moutet vs Marton Fucsovics
H2H: First meeting
An excellent victory in the last round from Fucsovics against Botic van de Zandschulp gives him great hope going into this match. However, I prefer the Frenchman for the win here. Moutet has a better serve and return record over the last year on hard courts than the Hungarian and he bewitched Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round for the loss of only six games. Should be a good match to watch too with plenty of groundstrokes to admire.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs John Isner
H2H: First meeting
Tiebreak anyone? It wouldn’t surprise me if this match was settled in two or three tiebreaks. The players themselves average a tiebreak every third set independently so when they collide it becomes even more likely. Kokkinakis is actually a good returner, especially on hard courts, but as we know from years of experience, returning the Isner serve is much more difficult than usual. However, if anyone is going to break it will be the Australian so for that reason I will lean towards a home victory in this match.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
