All eight second-round matches are on the Day 3 schedule of the 2023 ATP ASB Classic. The weather has been an issue again, forcing the organizers to keep all play indoors the day before. It’s unclear whether this situation will continue and such a big change of conditions could mean all the difference in some matchups. Anyway, can Jenson Brooksby take revenge on Diego Schwartzman for their meeting in Antwerp 15 months ago? Who do you think will prevail? We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Auckland Day 3 Predictions
Christopher Eubanks vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: Goffin 1-0
Potentially moving the matches indoors again would be a huge game-changer here and give Christopher Eubanks a much better chance. The American isn’t drawing dead anyway and he pushed David Goffin to a tough third set in their only previous meeting at Phoenix last year. Eubanks is now a more complete player than ever before with his improved ground game and the ability to utilize his reach at the net. He could be ready for an upset like that.
Prediction: Eubanks in 3
Constant Lestienne vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: 5-4
These two have quite a history, going back to an ITF event in 2012. Constant Lestienne won their only meeting last year 6-0 7-6 in the final of the Pozoblanco Challenger. Gregoire Barrere was given a helping hand with the indoor conditions in the opening round, which is definitely his cup of tea (made 9/12 Challenger finals on indoor hard, all in France). It might be kinda similar in this one–outdoors it’s advantage Lestienne, but if the matches are moved again, Barrere will be a lot more comfortable.
Prediction: Lestienne in 3
Joao Sousa vs Richard Gasquet
Head-to-head: 1-1
These two have split their 2022 meetings. Joao Sousa crushed Richard Gasquet on clay in Geneva, but lost to him in five sets at Wimbledon. The thing is the Portuguese doesn’t seem to be in similar form right now and only got to the main draw as a lucky loser, after losing to Christopher Eubanks and even struggling against the local wildcard Finn Reynolds. Gasquet has been doing better and should take it, even though at their current best it’s probably a very even contest.
Prediction: Gasquet in 3
Jenson Brooksby vs Diego Schwartzman
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 1-0
Diego Schwartzman’s second half of 2022 was quite woeful and the Argentinian will be trying to break a 7-match losing streak here. Getting a bye in the opening round might not be a benefit in such case as he missed a good chance to grab some match rhythm and confidence. Jenson Brooksby should be the favorite to win given the three sets he already has under his belt and his superior form the last time we saw them. Expect some extremely long rallies here.
Prediction: Brooksby in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
