It promises to be an entertaining third day at the ATP Rome event with a host of star names set to get to their tournaments underway at the Foro Italico. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Alexander Zverev vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Arthur Fils vs Tallon Griekspoor. But who will reach the third round in Italy?
ATP Rome Day 3 Predictions
Holger Rune vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a potential upset alert. Holger Rune retired from his opening match in Madrid because of a leg injury (his third retirement of the season). When the Dane is physically hampered, he is extremely vulnerable. Francisco Comesana, meanwhile, is having a dream year. He scored a career-best win over Alexander Zverev in Rio earlier this season en route to his first ATP 500 semifinals and recently finished runner-up in the Oeiras Challenger. Comesana is a rhythm disruptor and is a tireless baseline. Rune will need to perform at his peak physical capacity to avoid a shock defeat.
Prediction: Rune in 3
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Lorenzo Musetti vs Otto Virtanen
Head-to-head: first meeting
Lorenzo Musetti will be the home nation’s star attraction on Friday before world #1 Sinner arrives on the scene 24 hours later. The 23-year-old now occupies a spot in the world’s top 10 after compiling a 10-2 record on clay this term. Otto Virtanen snapped a four-match losing streak with a pair of qualifying wins before upsetting Hamad Medjedovic in the main draw. But this is a huge step and he’s unlikely to go further against an in-form Musetti, whose only two losses on this surface have come against the cream of the crop.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
Jordan Thompson vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: Nakashima 4-2 Thompson
It’s a statistical quick that Jordan Thompson has been on the tour for over decade but has featured in just one main draw in Rome. That was last year when he lost in the second round to Thiago Monteiro. The Australian is unlikely to go any deeper in the draw the Foro Italico after an injury-ravaged campaign with this match wil come down to discipline and physicality – two areas where Brandon Nakashima will have the edge. The American has shown so much promise of late with his robust athleticism and clean hitting, and should win comfortably enough here.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
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Daniil Medvedev vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Medvedev 3-0 Norrie
Daniil Medvedev owns this matchup with a perfect 3-0 record against Cameron Norrie. But none of those meetings took place on clay. Norrie should be full of optimism about addressing that poor record on what is arguably his favourite surface. The Briton entered the main draw as a lucky loser and outclassed Christopher O’Connell in the first round. Norrie’s flat backhand is such a liability when he plays Medvedev. The Russian’s deep court positioning makes him a nightmare to play against, especially when you lack raw pace. Norrie would need a massive slice of good fortune to get a result in this match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
