Daniil Medvedev will battle the Italian Matteo Arnaldi in round 3 action; Sunday’s lineup also includes the all-French affair, Ugo Humbert and Gael Monfils.
(5) Daniil Medevedev vs. (29) Matteo Arnaldi
This has not been a kind match-up for Matteo Arnaldi so far. The 23 year-old Italian has gotten 3 cracks at Daniil Medevedev so far and has managed to win a single set for his efforts. The good news is that his better result is also their most recent match-the bad news is that it was on a clay court. Given that they’re on Medvedev’s preferred hard courts and the Russian’s solid showing in Beijing already during the Asian swing, this may spell trouble for Arnaldi.
Medevedev had a surprisingly challenging second round match against Thiago Seyboth Wild, a Brazilian ranked 88 in the world. Seyboth Wild did not win a set, but he pushed the Russian to 7-5, 7-5. Still, it’s hard to imagine Medvedev losing this early on his favorite surface. The matchup itself favors the world No. 5, and there has been little sign of late-season fatigue that sometimes plagues players this time of year.
Cheryl pick – Medvedev in 2
(16) Ugo Humbert vs. Gael Monfils
Countrymen Ugo Humbert and Gael Monfils have played twice early this year and split the wins. But it’s Humbert who is having his breakout year. The friendly French player just made his way to the final in Tokyo, where he lost to fellow French player Arthur Fils in a highly competitive title match. Humbert’s run came last week, so fatigue could start to become an issue as the tournament progresses for the world No 15.
Monfils is an anemic 23-20 on the season, including his two wins this week so far against Damir Dzumhur and Sebastian Baez. The popular veteran is quite clearly at the tail-end of his career, though he still manages to delight tennis crowds around the world. His best tournament of the year was also where he beat Humbert (Doha), where he made the semfinals.
Look for Humbert to advance in this one. Monfils might actually make it more competitive than his No. 46 ranking would suggest, but in the end, Humbert is just playing better tennis at the moment.
Cheryl pick – Humbert in 2
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