Day 3 at the ATP Masters event in Rome features many exciting matches. Local favorite Jannik Sinner faces a tough test on Campo Centrale, as he takes on the Santiago champion Pedro Martinez. Elsewhere, Hubert Hurkacz faces David Goffin in what could be one of the most intriguing matches of the day. Nikoloz Basilashvili takes on Denis Shapovalov and Grigor Dimitrov faces Brandon Nakashima in what could be two close matches.
ATP Rome Day 3 Predictions
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Denis Shapovalov
Head to Head 2-0 Basilashvili
Nikoloz Basilashvili showed impressive composure in his opening round win over Dan Evans. The Georgian rallied from 2-5 down in the opening set, and won it on a tiebreak. Basilashvili began to play more consistent tennis in the second set, and he effectively overpowered the Brit to win it 6-2. Despite being inconsistent, when he is at his best Basilashvili has the ability to beat anyone on any surface.
Denis Shapovalov came through a tough opening round match on Grandstand against Lorenzo Sonego. The Canadian was at odds with both the crowd and the umpire as he began to become frustrated with line-calls. However, Shapovalov eventually calmed down and took the match in three tight sets. The Canadian has incredible talent, however he needs to work on his shot selection and tactical awareness.
I think this will be a close three set match, however the Georgian has the better head to head and I think he will get the win in three sets.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Brandon Nakashima
Head to Head: First Meeting
Grigor Dimitrov has played some great tennis during this clay court season. The Bulgarian reached the semifinals of Monte Carlo, recording wins over the likes of Hubert Hurkacz and Casper Ruud. In Madrid, Dimitrov defeated Maxime Cressy and Diego Schwartzman on route to the last 16. Dimitrov has struggled for consistency over the past few seasons, however the Bulgarian has the variety in his game to trouble the best players on clay.
Brandon Nakashima is one of the many up and coming American players on the tour. The American reached the quarterfinals of Sydney at the start of the year, however Nakashima has struggled since then to post back to back wins. Nakashima has big weapons in his serve and forehand, however his game is more tailored to grass and hard courts.
I think this will be a close match. However, I think Dimitrov will get the win as he is more experienced on clay than the American.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
David Goffin vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head to Head: First Meeting
This promises to be one of the most intriguing matches of the day. David Goffin has turned round his form during the clay court season. The Belgian won the ATP 250 in Marrakesh. Last week in Madrid, Goffin had four match points against Rafael Nadal in an epic round of 16 match. Despite not getting the win, it is good to see Goffin playing with more confidence, and the Belgian has the potential to get back to his best level.
Hubert Hurkacz reached the quarterfinals in Madrid last week, where Novak Djokovic defeated him in straight sets. The Pole has traditionally struggled to produce his best tennis on clay, however Hurkacz has been serving brilliantly, recording the most aces up to the quarterfinal stage of Madrid last week. One area that Hurkacz will need to improve is his return. This is what Djokovic was able to exploit in their match. If Hurkacz improves in this area, then he will be able to go deeper in the Grand Slams.
I think this will be a close match, however I think the Pole will get the win because of being able to dominate on his serve. I am predicting that Hurkacz will get the win in three sets.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Pedro Martinez vs Jannik Sinner
Head to Head: First Meeting
Pedro Martinez is one of the most underrated players on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard is a threat on all surfaces. Earlier this season, Martinez won his first ATP Title in Santiago, defeating Sebastian Baez in the final. Despite not possessing major firepower in his game, the Spaniard is able to to effectively grind opponents down from the back of the court. Martinez is consistent and does defeat himself with unforced errors.
Jannik Sinner has struggled with injury and illness for part of this season. However, the Italian has shown excellent character under adversity. In four matches, Sinner has saved match-points before going on to win the match. One of the big areas of improvement that Sinner has made has been his accuracy on serve. The Italian is able to consistently hit his spots on his serve during big pressure moments.
I think this will be a close match. However, the Italian will have the crowd on his side. Sinner has a bit more firepower in his game, and I think the Italian will get the win in three sets.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
