The ATP clay court season has begun this week in Houston and as usual the field is filled with American players looking to capture a title on home soil. With none of the very top players in the world in the draw and no clay specialists, it feels like it’s anybody’s title to win, and the last few days of the tournament should provide plenty of tight matches and high quality tennis.
ATP Houston Day 3 Predictions
Roman Andres Burruchaga vs Adam Walton
Head-to-head: first meeting
Burruchaga is fresh off a fantastic run to the title in the São Paulo Challenger and he is generally the more comfortable of the two players on clay. Walton has been fallen out of the Top 100, and clay has never been and is unlikely to be a happy hunting ground for him in these coming months. If Burruchaga keeps up his São Paulo level, he should be able to advance here.
Prediction: Burruchaga in 2
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: first meeting
Paul is fresh off a heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat to Arthur Fils in Miami and will be looking to bounce back here in Houston. On clay, Paul has arguably been the best American in recent years, making consistently strong runs at both Roland Garros and the clay Masters 1000s. If he can bring his usual clay level here, he will surely make it through.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Learner Tien vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-head: Tien 4-0 Basavareddy
Tien’s transition to pro level has been much stronger than Basaraveddy’s and that is well reflected in both their rankings and their head to head. Tien has been steadily rising up the rankings, looks primed to reach the Top 10 soon and even if clay is far from his favorite surface he will most likely be able to dominate and advance here.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images