Day 3 at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters 2023 sees a slew of first and second round matches. In action are top seeds along with qualifiers looking to make a mark at the masters level. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all matches for you. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 3 Predictions
Round of 64
Dan Evans vs Ilya Ivashka
Head to head – First Meeting
Ilya Ivashka has come through qualifying but he has been dealt with a tough first round against Daniel Evans. The Brett is a solid clay-court mover and his semi-final appearance last week in Marrakesh indicates he should be the one starting Strong this week in Monte Carlo.
Prediction: Evans in 2
Grigor Dimitrov vs Ben Shelton
Head to head – First Meeting
Ben Shelton has had a breakout year in 2023 but the American still has a lot of work ahead if he is to compete at the very top. Last week was his first real test on the clay courts. on which he came up short but that’s the learning curve Shelton is looking forward to. It’s a tough draw to face Grigor Dimitrov in the first round and while the American is super talented, expect the Bulgarian to nab the win.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Round of 32
Jack Draper vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head to head – Draper 0-1 Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz has had two very tough matches so far in his clay-court season this year. The Pole will be happy to have come out on top on this occasion but his task of going deep in a clay-court masters tournament gets only tougher as he faces the ever-talented Jack Draper. Expect a monumental battle between the two with Draper defending well and wrestling control of the points to come out as the victor.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Jaume Munar vs Andrey Rublev
Head to head – Munar 1-1 Rublev
These two are facing each other after a very long gap since their last meeting, and their careers have slightly matured ever since. Jaume Munar plays his best on the clay courts but it’s tough to see how his defense can tackle the firepower Andrey Rublev will bring to the court. Expect the Russian to dominate from the baseline from start to finish and punch his way forward.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
