The clay at the ATP Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is starting to play its part on Day 3, with four intriguing second-round matches featured. Players who slide well and build points patiently will have the edge as the tournament moves deeper. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?<\/p>\n
ATP Monte Carlo Day 3 Predictions
\nAlexei Popyrin vs Casper Ruud<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head: Popyrin 1\u20130 Ruud\u00a0<\/p>\n
Popyrin has some dangerous weapons and proved last season he can trouble good players on this surface with his power, and he reached the quarters in Houston recently to back that up. Ruud, though, is one of the most reliable clay-court performers on tour, strong movement, heavy topspin and the kind of experience at this event that matters late in long matches, including a final here a couple of years back. He opened his campaign with a clinical straight-sets win that showed his clay game is already in gear. Popyrin\u2019s head-to-head edge is real, but Ruud\u2019s freshness and pedigree should see him through in a match that goes the distance.
Prediction: Ruud in 3<\/p>\n
Cameron Norrie vs Alex de Minaur<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head: Norrie 3\u20132 de Minaur\u00a0<\/p>\n
Norrie battled well to come through a tricky three-setter in Round 1 and carries confidence from his Indian Wells quarterfinal run, where he beat de Minaur en route. He moves well and can grind out points on clay. De Minaur, though, brings exceptional speed and fitness, and his clay record has quietly improved over the past year. His quick feet help him retrieve and reset on the dirt, and the fact that he holds the only win between them on this surface is the detail that matters most here. The Australian\u2019s consistency should give him the upper hand in a match between two gritty competitors.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3<\/p>\n
Marin Cilic vs Alexander Shevchenko<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head: First meeting<\/p>\n
Cilic is a former top-three player with a big serve and experience, which still counts for plenty when he finds his timing. At 37 his results have been mixed lately, but his pedigree on clay and ability to control big moments remain genuine assets. Shevchenko comes in with momentum after knocking out seeded qualifier Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets, and the young Kazakh moves well and fights for every point on this surface. Form points his way, but Cilic\u2019s power and experience on clay should allow him to control the bigger moments and come through.
Prediction: Cilic in 2\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n
Ugo Humbert vs Jannik Sinner<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head: Sinner 1\u20131 Humbert<\/p>\n