Day 3 of the ATP Rolex Monte Carlo Masters features four compelling second-round matches. The slower clay courts will favor players with strong sliding ability and patient point construction. Here are predictions for these key encounters.
ATP Monte Carlo Day 3 Predictions
Alexei Popyrin vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-Head: Popyrin 1–0 Ruud
Popyrin’s powerful game has shown success on clay, even reaching the Houston quarterfinals recently. However, Ruud is a highly consistent clay-court performer, known for his strong movement, heavy topspin, and extensive experience, including a Monte Carlo final appearance a couple of years back. Ruud’s recent straight-sets win indicates he’s in prime form. Despite Popyrin’s head-to-head lead, Ruud’s overall clay pedigree and current sharpness are expected to prevail in a three-set battle.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-Head: Norrie 3–2 de Minaur
Norrie comes into this match confident after a tough first-round win and an Indian Wells quarterfinal run where he defeated de Minaur. He’s a strong clay-court grinder. De Minaur, however, possesses remarkable speed and improved his clay-court game significantly last year. Crucially, de Minaur holds their only head-to-head win on this surface. His athleticism and consistency should give him the edge in what promises to be a hard-fought three-set contest.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Marin Cilic vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Former World No. 3 Marin Cilic, despite mixed recent results, still brings a powerful serve, clay-court pedigree, and vast experience. Young Alexander Shevchenko enters with momentum, having impressively beaten Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets. While Shevchenko’s current form is strong, Cilic’s superior power and experience on clay are expected to dictate crucial points, leading him to a straight-sets victory.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Ugo Humbert vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-Head: Sinner 1–1 Humbert
Ugo Humbert displayed resilience in his first-round match and offers variety on clay with his lefty serve and forehand. However, Jannik Sinner arrives in exceptional form, riding a 12-match winning streak after dominating the hard-court season. Sinner’s superb movement, baseline command, and clutch performance make him well-suited for the clay. While Humbert might challenge in the first set, Sinner is expected to control the match thereafter, securing a straight-sets win.
Prediction: Sinner in 2