Wednesday’s schedule for the 2023 ATP Boss Open in Stuttgart contains four out of eight second-round clashes. Some of the more exciting ones include Hubert Hurkacz coming up against Yosuke Watanuki and Jiri Lehecka battling Frances Tiafoe. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Stuttgart Day 3 Predictions
Christopher O’Connell vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players delivered a blowout win in the opening round. Christopher O’Connell took advantage of Daniel Altmaier not really being in his element on grass, while Lorenzo Sonego dismantled a very poor version of Matteo Berrettini, who was coming back from an injury and clearly wasn’t ready. Who should win this one? Sonego’s usually the better grass-courter and he should be oozing confidence after his Roland Garros run.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hubert Hurkacz lost in the first round at Stuttgart every time he played here (2021 and 2022), although that seems like a little bit of a coincidence given how good he is on this surface in general. This isn’t an easy opener and while Yosuke Watanuki might lack grass experience, he is amazing in fast and slick conditions. He also has an incredible serve for his height and will likely engage the Pole in a very close contest.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
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Gregoire Barrere vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lorenzo Musetti grabbed his first grass-court win over Borna Gojo, being a little fortunate in saving all five break points faced. He played quite well though and was getting a lot of points for free on his delivery. He’ll need that again against Gregoire Barrere, who might not have a cannon of a serve like Gojo, but takes the ball as early as possible and should be able to rush Musetti’s groundstrokes. We’ll see if they hold up under pressure.
Prediction: Barrere in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-head: First meeting
There’s no reason why Jiri Lehecka can’t be a good grass-courter in the future and even despite a couple of bizarre showings recently, the Czech managed to take down Marcos Giron in the opening round. For now though, Frances Tiafoe looks like the favorite to take this high-profile second-round clash. He’s had deep runs at Wimbledon in the past and his serve is usually very tough to handle on the lawn.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
