The action continues at the ATP ASB Classic in Auckland, as Day 3 will feature all of the second round. This set of LWOT’s predictions features defending champion Alejandro Tabilo, along with other seeded players who will look to make a big run. Who will reach the quarterfinals?
ATP Auckland Day 3 Predictions
Zizou Bergs vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-head: Nardi 1-0
The pair will play at the ATP Tour level for the first time, and their only meeting came in the final of an ATP Challenger in 2022. Nardi won that match 7-5 in the third, and the two have had relatively similar careers since then. They’re both ranked near one another and are no stranger to upsets when at their best. Both players have gone through qualifying and multiple three-set battles, as well. This match should come down to the mental side. Bergs has a bit more experience on hard courts throughout his young career and may have the confidence to take revenge on this matchup late in a third set.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Alex Michelsen vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: Sonego 2-0
Last August, Sonego won his fourth career title in a championship match against Michelsen. He won in just over an hour and should feel confident going into this matchup. Both players had to scrap through three-set matches in the first round — Sonego arguably faced a tougher fight, winning in a third-set tiebreak. The American is 2-1 in 2025 so far, and should be the odds favorite in this match, but I like the Italian’s experience in this matchup and his strengths on outdoor hard courts.
Prediction: Sonego in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Roberto Carballes Beana
Head-to-head: Cerundolo 5-0
Cerundolo has a strong advantage in the pair’s head-to-head, though there hasn’t been a match between the two since 2023. The Argentinian struggled with his consistency during much of 2024, but his heavy forehand should be able to grind out Carballes Beana’s strong defense. Carballes Beana will have to serve well, as Cerundolo can hit powerful returns and take advantage of return games. Interestingly, Cerundolo notably lost 6-1 6-1 in his lone match in Auckland last year. Look for him to start his Auckland campaign better here.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 2
Nishesh Basavareddy vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be an intriguing encounter. Tabilo won his first of two ATP titles here in 2024, surprising many fans as an underdog. Now, he’s the second seed and will surely face some pressure. He notably lost his opening match in Brisbane, on quick courts, but these slower courts should help his game.
Basavareddy is full of confidence at the moment. New to tennis and previously a star on the tennis team at Stanford University, he’s made inroads at the NextGen ATP Finals and built his ranking up to just outside the Top 100. His last two matches in Auckland–one in qualifying and the other in the first round–saw the American lose just seven games. His experience and Tabilo’s potential nerves may result in a big upset.
Prediction: Basavareddy in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
