Friday’s action at the ATP Miami Open sees the top 32 seeds debut at the event after a bye in the first round. As always, LWOT will predict all of the matches scheduled on the day, with this set of predictions featuring three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.
ATP Miami Day 3 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nicolas Jarry claimed an elusive victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier this season in Buenos Aires, but he hasn’t looked the same ever since. Most recently, he let a set and a break lead slip away in his opening Indian Wells match, losing 3-6 7-5 6-4 to Fabian Marozsan. Jarry certainly prefers the clay courts to hard courts, which will give Draper loads of confidence. For Draper, he cruised past Taro Daniel 6-3 6-2 in his Miami opener, and should have confidence getting a match in under his belt. I’ll pick Draper to pull off the upset here.Prediction: Draper in 2
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Tommy Paul vs Martin Damm
Head-to-head: First meeting
Damm is a player fans might want to pay attention to in the future, as he claimed his first ever ATP tour win in his opening match in Miami. Born in Florida, the 20-year-old should have the crowd behind him against Tommy Paul. Don’t rule out support for Paul, meanwhile, as Paul also resides in Florida. Paul made the semifinals in Indian Wells, perhaps a cause for concern as he may be fatigued — he also seemed to twist or roll his ankle late in the second set against Daniil Medvedev last Saturday. While Paul should have enough in the tank, look for a confident Damm to put up a top-quality performance on Friday.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: First meeting
Taylor Fritz would’ve liked to have a better trip to California last week, as he fell in the fourth round of Indian Wells to Holger Rune in three sets. Fritz will defend quarterfinalist points from last year’s tournament, the farthest he’s ever gotten in this event. Seyboth Wild is 6-10 on the year, and did well to qualify for the event and pick up a win. In three consecutive matches, Thiago Seyboth Wild hasn’t dropped a set. Yet, look for Fritz to use his serve and big forehand to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Andy Murray vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: Etcheverry 2-1
Could this match be a turning point for Andy Murray, as he reaches the swan song of his career? Murray did well to take out Matteo Berretini 4-6 6-3 6-4, with both players performing close to their best at times. While Etcheverry does lead the head-to-head, Murray may be a slight favorite with the extra match he played. Etcheverry did cruise by Murray 6-4 6-2 6-2 in this year’s Australian Open, but has only won three matches since the event. He’s also dealt with an ankle injury in his latest tournaments.
Prediction: Murray in 2
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Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
