Miami Open 2023, Day 3: Men's Singles predictions ft. Richard Gasquet vs Christopher O'Connell
Day 3 of the Miami Open will see the remainder of the first round of the men's singles tournament take place. A total of 16 singles fixtures will take place, with Dominic Thiem and Lorenzo Sonego competing in probably the most highly-anticipated match of the day.
The likes of Mackenzie McDonald, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Christopher Eubanks, Cristian Garin, Jiri Lehecka and Richard Gasquet will also be in action.
On that note, let's take a look at the predictions for some of the notable men's singles fixtures that will take place on Day 3 of the Miami Open.
#1. Dominic Thiem vs Lorenzo Sonego
2020 US Open Champion Dominic Thiem faces a tough task in the first round of the Miami Open as he he will be up against Lorenzo Sonego. It will be the third meeting between the two, with their head-to-head tied at 1-1.
Thiem endured a disappointing opening-round defeat at the Indian Wells Masters, losing 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) to Adrian Mannarino. Sonego also exited the tournament in the first round as he was beaten 6-4, 7-6(4) by Jason Kubler.
Thiem is not nearly close to being the player he was a few years back and is still struggling to rediscover his form. However, he showed some promise in Indian Wells and will be eager to put on a good show in Miami.
Sonego's 2023 season has been lacklustre. He did manage to reach the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the process.
The Italian has the edge on current form and there is a good chance he could come out on top in Miami.
Predicted Winner: Lorenzo Sonego.
#2. Marcos Giron vs Cristian Garin
Marcos Giron will face Cristian Garin in the first round of the Miami Open It will be the second meeting between the two, with Garin winning their previous encounter 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the third round of the 2021 French Open.
The Chilean did well to reach the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters, beating two seeded players in Casper Ruud and Yoshihito Nishioka on the way. Giron, on the other hand, only reached the second round of the competition, losing to Frances Tiafoe.
Garin looks in relatively better touch at the moment and will be full of confidence after his run at Indian Wells, so he should be able to come out on top and reach the second round of the Miami Open.
Predicted Winner: Cristian Garin
#3. Federico Coria vs Jiri Lehecka
Federico Coria will face Jiri Lehecka in the opening round of the Miami Open. It will be the very first meeting between the two.
Coria is yet to win a main-draw match on hard courts during this season's ATP Tour. He lost 6-1, 6-2 to compatriot Diego Schwartzman in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters. Lehecka did not fare too well in the tournament either, as he lost 6-4, 6-2 to Andrey Rublev in the second round.
The Czech has produced some impressive performances over the past couple of months, most notably reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Given how poorly Coria has done on hard courts lately, Lehecka should be able to get the win and move on to the second round in Miami.
Predicted Winner: Jiri Lehecka
#4. Mackenzie McDonald vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Mackenzie McDonald will face Daniel Elahi Galan in the first round of the Miami Open. It will be the second meeting between the two, with McDonald winning their previous encounter at this season's Adelaide International 1 during which the Colombian was forced to retire due to injury.
The American has produced some pretty decent performances lately, reaching the semifinals of the Delray Beach Open and the quarterfinals of the Mexican Open in Acapulco. He also managed to defeat Rafael Nadal during the Australian Open.
Galan, on the other hand, has won just one main-draw match so far this season. Hence, McDonald should be able to beat the Colombian and book his place in the second round of the Miami Open.
Predicted Winner: Mackenzie McDonald.
#5. Richard Gasquet vs Christopher O'Connell
The experienced Richard Gasquet will face Australian qualifier Christopher O'Connell in the opening round of the Miami Open. This will be the very first meeting between the two.
Gasquet suffered a second-round defeat to Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells while O'Connell was unable to make the main draw of the tournament.
The Frenchman produced some promising performances at the start of the season, winning the ASB Classic by defeating Cameron Norrie in the final. O'Connell did well during the Middle-Eastern swing, reaching the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open and the Round of 16 of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The match promises to be tightly-contested and either player has a fair chance of coming out on top.
Predicted Winner: Richard Gasquet.