The relatively watered down draw in San Diego represents a real opportunity for lower ranked players on the ATP Tour. Daniel Evans and Jenson Brooksby are the only top 50 players in the draw and look like favourites to win the title. However, these smaller tournaments are often rife with upsets and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see an unfamiliar face lifting the title come the end of the week. ATP San Diego day 3 features six matches, with three of those being covered in this prediction set. Be sure to look over the second set for a full breakdown of who might cause an upset on Wednesday. With that in mind, let’s get stuck in to these three matches.
ATP San Diego Day 3 Predictions
Henri Laaksonen vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: 1 – 1
Both Henri Laaksonen and Mackenzie McDonald are talented but inconsistent players who regularly slip in and out of the top 100 in the men’s game. McDonald is the more accomplished player on hard courts which lends him an advantage here. However, he hasn’t played since the US Open and may be a bit rusty as a result. That lack of matches is the only thing standing in the American’s way here. He dominated their hard court encounter last year and I expect a similar result in this one.
Prediction: McDonald in 2
Christopher O’Connell vs Jason Kubler
Head-to-head: First meeting
An all-Aussie affair here represents a great opportunity for both Christopher O’Connell and Jason Kubler. Neither has finished a calendar year inside the top 100 in the men’s game. However, both could do so with a decent run to end the year. Kubler is in better form and has the higher ceiling. As such, he is the deserved favourite here and I expect that narrative to play out in the match as well. It should be a closely fought affair, but the higher ranked Aussie should move on in this one.
Prediction: Kubler in 3
Steve Johnson vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alejandro Tabilo has over forty ranking spots on Steve Johnson. However, the American looks the favourite in this match given Tabilo makes his living on clay and has very few results of note on other surfaces. Johnson has had an average year but will be eyeing up a deep run here to try and edge back into the top 100 ahead 2023. He should advance to the next round at the very least given he is the better player of these two on hard courts.
Prediction: Johnson in 2
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