ATP Winston-Salem Day 3 Predictions Including Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Bu Yunchaokete

No. 1 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is playing at ATP Winston-Salem for the first time and looking for some last-minute momentum before the US Open. In the Greeks’ current form, not much is a certainty, and Bu Yunchaokete will be hungry for that big win. Can the biggest star of the tournament survive this early test? Who do you think will prevail?

ATP Winston-Salem Day 3 Predictions

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Pedro Martinez

Head-to-head: First meeting

That Bordeaux Challenger title in May is currently keeping Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s stocks relatively high; otherwise, his ranking would be starting to crash by now (it still might if he can’t do anything in Basel title defense). On the other hand, Pedro Martinez mostly plays well on hard courts when he’s in good form, and that’s not the case at the moment. Mpetshi Perricard is not reliable, but if he’s going to start winning again, then this is an opportunity he’s got to take.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3

Mariano Navone vs Marcos Giron

Head-to-head: First meeting

Mariano Navone isn’t picking up hard-court wins on the ATP Tour that often, but a fortunate opening-round draw allowed him to set up a meeting with Marcos Giron here. The American is coming off a disappointing hard-court swing with three consecutive losses in Washington, Toronto, and Cincinnati, which prompted him to seek a last-minute wildcard into Winston-Salem. He needs more time on court, and he might get it here, as Navone is not quite as comfortable on this surface and struggles to convert attacking positions.
Prediction: Giron in 2

Roberto Bautista Agut vs Christopher O’Connell

Head-to-head: O’Connell 1-0

Recent months have been particularly challenging for Christopher O’Connell, who has been dealing with multiple injuries. Even when he earned a couple of wins in Toronto, it was instantly followed by a withdrawal. 2017 champion Roberto Bautista Agut might be close to wrapping up his career by now, but he’s still competitive on the tour. The 37-year-old has plenty left to give and seems like the favorite here, considering O’Connell’s form this year.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 2

Miomir Kecmanovic vs Aleksandar Kovacevic

Head-to-head: 1-1

Aleksandar Kovacevic had a painful summer on natural surfaces, but it didn’t take him long to start performing better once he was back on hard courts. The American lost to Miomir Kecmanovic in Miami earlier this year when he was coming off the Cap Cana title. It’s a tough matchup against Kecmanovic, who tends to be solid, but the No. 13 seed hasn’t exactly been setting the world on fire. With a match to adjust to these conditions, Kovacevic could be perceived as a tiny favorite here.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 3

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Bu Yunchaokete

Head-to-head: First meeting

The drop-off of Stefanos Tsitsipas is an interesting tale, mostly of struggling to fix his weaknesses and juggling between the influence of his father and looking for a world-class coach. The Greek is back with his dad now and thinks this will be the best way forward. Perhaps it will, but it might take him some time to start getting results again. Some rhythm just before the US Open can be helpful, and he’s still the better player in this match against Bu Yunchaokete. Just remember, nothing is certain with Tsitsipas right now.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3