ATP Tokyo Day 3 Predictions Including Taylor Fritz vs Nuno Borges

Day 3 of action at the ATP 500 in Tokyo promises a mix of established names and players trying to punch above their weight. The conditions here have often rewarded aggressive baseliners, but with contrasting styles across the board, there’s room for surprises as the week unfolds. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

ATP Tokyo Day 3 Predictions

Aleksandar Vukic vs Daniel Altmaier

Head-to-Head: Vukic 1–0 Altmaier

Both have shown flashes of form lately, but Vukic’s game tends to translate better to quicker hard courts, where his serve and first-strike approach can do damage. Altmaier, more at home on clay, hasn’t had as many deep runs on this surface, though he competes hard and makes opponents work. Their clash feels like a battle between tempo and resistance, and whoever sets the rhythm early will likely dictate.
Prediction: Vukic in 3

Sho Shimabukuro vs Sebastian Korda

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Shimabukuro thrives on home support and has looked sharp in Tokyo, but this is a real step up in opposition. Korda, after shaking off his pre-US Open injury, has been building momentum again and his flat, clean hitting can take the racket out of an opponent’s hands. If the Japanese wildcard finds ways to extend rallies, things could get interesting, but the margins are slim against Korda’s weight of shot.
Prediction: Korda in 3

Casper Ruud vs Matteo Berrettini

Head-to-Head: Ruud 5–3 Berrettini

This matchup brings contrasting strengths–Ruud’s consistency and defense against Berrettini’s booming serve and forehand. Ruud hasn’t always looked comfortable on hard courts against big strikers, and Berrettini, when healthy, can really hit through conditions like these. Their past encounters have leaned toward tight battles, so expect long baseline exchanges mixed with sudden bursts of power. It has all the makings of a momentum-swinging contest.
Prediction: Ruud in 2

Nuno Borges vs Taylor Fritz

Head-to-Head: Fritz 1–0 Borges

Borges has enjoyed a steady rise this season, with his work ethic and baseline game earning him solid wins, but hard courts at this level present a serious challenge. Fritz, a proven performer on the surface, has the firepower to shorten points and impose himself early. If Borges can hold serve and grind through longer rallies, he’ll make it competitive, though Fritz’s weapons give him an edge in this setting.
Prediction: Fritz in 2