ATP Acapulco Day 3 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Aleksandar Kovacevic
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-1 Kovacevic
An all-American duel is on the cards in Mexico as Aleksandar Kovacevic steps into the spotlight against Frances Tiafoe. The world #75 arrives as the clear underdog in a pro career that only began five years ago after a successful spell playing college tennis.
After a difficult stretch, Tiafoe enters with a bit of momentum despite losing in a closely fought match to Learner Tien in the last eight at Delray Beach. He has the edge in their head-to-head and will be confident of extending it even further as he leans on his explosive, crowd-energising style to make it to a second consecutive quarterfinal.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Sho Shimabukuro vs Wu Yibing
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players were underdogs in their previous encounters, but they are now on the cusp of reaching the Acapulco last eight after their respective upsets. This could go either way; however, Wu Yibing has a higher proven ceiling. With a flatter, heavier baseline game and stronger return numbers. He looked solid in getting the better Casper Ruud, and if he can maintain that level in this match, he should have the beating of Sho Shimabukuro, not withstanding the Japanese’s impressive showing to get the better of Adrian Mannarino.
Prediction: Wu in 2
Gael Monfils vs Valentin Vacherot
Head-to-head: first meeting
Experience meets ambition as Gaël Monfils takes on Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot. Even in the twilight of his career, Monfils still thrives on the big stage, and will no doubt look to get the crowd onside and involved early on by using his explosive movement and shot-making to disrupt players.
While Vacherot has all the tools to trouble Monfils over best-of-three sets, Monfils’ superior defensive instincts and clutch experience should tilt the balance in his favour, particularly in relatively slow conditions in Acapulco. Expect the Frenchman to want to wrap this up as quickly as possible, controlling key moments to advance in two competitive sets.
Prediction: Monfils in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Matteo Bellucci
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 1-0 Bellucci
Last year’s runner-up, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, will be looking to go one better this season as he faces Matteo Bellucci, and he will be confident of advancing, having defeated the Italian en route to last year’s final.
The Italian left-hander owns a heavy forehand, but he’ll need to be able to adapt Davidovich Fokina’s ability to change the tempo in the rallies without overpressing. If Bellucci can protect his serve and keep points on his terms, he has the weapons to disrupt the Spaniard’s rhythm, but if the contest turns scrappy and physical, it will firmly toward Davidovich Fokina.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images