ATP Hamburg Day 3 Predictions Including Shelton vs Altmaier
The motion on the ATP Hamburg Open continues on day three with a compelling slate of first-round matches. As all the time, we right here at LWOT will probably be providing our predictions for each match on the slate within the Free City, together with Felix Auger-Aliassme vs Vit Kopriva. But who will safe their spot within the subsequent spherical on the Rothenbaum?
ATP Hamburg Day 3 Predictions
Flavio Cobolli vs Ignacio Buse
Head-to-head: first assembly
Ignacio Buse arrives in the principle draw having come via qualifying with authority, dropping solely 5 video games throughout two matches, a pointy displaying that implies he’s in rhythm on the Hamburg clay. The Peruvian’s topspin-heavy sport and regular motion make him a reputable challenger on the terre battue and he will probably be hoping for a stable run on the French Open.
Flavio Cobolli, for his half, has been probably the most constant performers on clay this season, reaching the Munich remaining and the Madrid semi-finals earlier than a disappointing early exit at residence in Rome. The Italian has the type of aggressive baseline sport that may overpower opponents when he’s clicking, and he is aware of this court docket nicely having lifted the trophy right here final yr. Buse’s qualifying momentum is actual, however Cobolli’s superior stage and title-defence motivation give him the sting in what must be a aggressive opener.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Hugo Gaston vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: first assembly
Hugo Gaston is likely one of the most uncommon operators within the males’s sport, a lefty with a slice-heavy, touch-oriented method that may frustrate opponents who wish to grind from the baseline. Clay fits that fashion, and his profession report at ATP stage on the floor is notably higher than on exhausting courts.
Karen Khachanov arrives at ATP Hamburg after a stable displaying in Rome, the place he reached his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal of the yr, though his clay tennis could be inconsistent. His highly effective serve is much less of a weapon on clay, the place the slower bounce permits returners extra time to get into rallies. Gaston will look to gradual every thing down and drive Khachanov into uncomfortable, prolonged exchanges.
The Russian is the largest ball-striker, however Gaston’s capability to disrupt rhythm with selection makes this nearer than it would seem. Khachanov ought to be capable to overpower the Frenchman when given clear seems to be, however Gaston’s clay nous retains him aggressive all through. Expect this one to go the gap, however Khachanov’s bodily edge finally sees him via.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Arthur Gea
Head-to-head: first assembly
Both gamers got here via qualifying to succeed in this stage, which makes this an attention-grabbing match. Neither carries the psychological weight of being a direct entrant. Arthur Gea has been simpler on return over the past six months, creating extra stress on opponents’ second serves than Aleksandar Kovacevic, a significant benefit on clay the place return video games matter enormously.
Gea has been performing higher throughout each the present calendar yr and the trailing 12 months, even accounting for the extent of opposition Kovacevic has confronted on the principle tour. The American has the serve-and-groundstroke profile that may be efficient on exhausting courts, however the clay takes away its tempo and asks extra defensive questions. Gea’s type coming in provides him a slight edge right here.
Prediction: Gea in 2
Ben Shelton vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: first assembly
Ben Shelton obtained via his first-round match in opposition to Marcos Giron in three units, a win, however not a convincing one that will recommend he has absolutely discovered his clay-court footing. After successful his first clay title in Munich, he has struggled for consistency on the floor, shedding within the opening spherical at each Madrid and Rome earlier than that Giron win.
Altmaier is a well-known and dependable presence on purple dust, a German with a optimistic profession report on clay who may also be taking part in in entrance of a house crowd. He strikes nicely, constructs factors patiently, and is precisely the kind of opponent that may expose Shelton’s tendency to fall flat when his first serve isn’t firing. If Shelton can not shorten factors together with his serve, Altmaier has the expertise and clay pedigree to grind him down and look forward to the errors. The residence crowd and floor consolation give the German the sting.
Prediction: Altmaier in 3
Main picture credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
