The third Slam of the season wrapped up over the weekend with Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova leaving the All England Club with their names etched in tennis history. The ATP Tour transitions over the Atlantic Ocean for the 2023 Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island. The legendary grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame welcome the fans into the second round, where 16 players remain in the singles draw. Day 3 features all eight second-round matches, including four-time champion John Isner taking on Frenchman Corentin Moutet. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Newport. But who will advance?
ATP Newport Day 3 Predictions
Ugo Humbert vs Steve Johnson
Head-to-Head: first meeting
After a rough 2022, Ugo Humbert has bounced back and vaulted himself back into the top 40. That said, he is just 1-3 on the grass this season. He squares off against veteran American Steve Johnson in Round 2. Johnson has had a rough season but did win the Bloomfield Hills Challenger earlier this month and looked comfortable in his Round 1 victory over Yunseong Chung. This match will have many solid baseline exchanges. In the end, I favor the Frenchman’s ability to move around the court and the variety he possesses in order to win points.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
James Duckworth vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Veteran Aussie James Duckworth and young American Alex Michelsen both pulled off come-from-behind victories to earn a spot in the second round of the Hall of Fame Open. Michelsen’s victory over No. 5 seed Maxime Cressy was the first tour-level win of his career and extended his winning streak to six. Duckworth, on the other hand, has won just three matches over the last ten weeks. Michelsen is one of many surging young Americans, and I see his form and the home crowd carrying him to victory in this match.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Liam Broady vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-Head: Broady 1-0 Thompson
Liam Broady and Jordan Thompson looked terrific in their respective straight-set Round 1 victories. Both men have played solid grass-court tennis this season and should have a back-and-forth encounter in Newport. When Broady is firing from the baseline, he can contend with anyone in the sport (shown by his Wimbledon win over Casper Ruud). However, I trust Thompson’s consistency and ability to push the Brit around the court.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
John Isner vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Four-time Hall of Fame Open Champion John Isner got his 2023 tournament started with a three-set victory over Alex Bolt. He matches up against Corentin Moutet, who bested Eliot Spizzirri 7-6 6-0 in Round 1. This match will feature a lot of short points as both players are adept with their serve and first-strike tennis. I do not trust the Frenchman to hold his nerve against a big server like Isner. He will likely get disinterested and allow the veteran American to cruise.
Prediction: Isner in 2
Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
