After two days of exciting action, the matches get much more intense and close on Day 3 of the ATP Swiss Indoors Basel. This article features top seed Taylor Fritz, who will take on Shanghai Masters champion Valentin Vacherot. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance?
ATP Basel Day 3 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: Davidovich Fokina 0-1 Brooksby
#8 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has been ultra consistent this season with three finals to his name. However, his quest for his maiden ATP title continues, and he has started well here with a solid straight-sets win over Lorenzo Sonego. Jenson Brooksby put up a clinical performance in the first round to easily defeat Alexandre Muller. The American didn’t face a single break point, and his flat groundstrokes proved unsettling for his opponent. Davidovich Fokina has lost to Brooksby before on an indoor hard court and will have to be at his best to win this.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-Head: Lehecka 1-0 Zandschulp
It is a short turnaround for #6 seed Jiri Lehecka, who was in the final of Brussels two days ago and has a tricky first-round match to start with. His aggressive game is suited for the fast courts of Basel, but Botic van de Zandschulp is a capable indoor player, and his flat groundstrokes and resilience could extend rallies and force errors from Lehecka’s racquet. Zandschulp comes in this match as a lucky loser and will look to make the most of this opportunity. I believe if Lehecka is not fatigued, he has more firepower in his game to win this.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Valentin Vacherot
Head-to-Head: first meeting
This should be the most anticipated match from the second round as the top seed faces the Shanghai Masters champion, Valentin Vacherot. It would be interesting to see how Vacherot performs after his heroics in Shanghai and whether he can replicate the same level or not. Fritz has played a lot of tennis lately and might not be at his best. However, Vacherot would still need to play at a top level to upset the American No.1.
Prediction: Vacherot in 3
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
