Estoril Open 2023 Day 3: Men's Singles Predictions, ft Casper Ruud vs Joao Sousa

The third day of main draw action in Estoril Open on Wednesday will feature four second-round matches. Three seeds will be in action.

On Tuesday, the likes of Dominic Thiem and wildcard Ben Shelton emerged victorious, respectively, beating Sebastian Ofner and Constant Lestienne.

Without further ado, here's a look at how the second-round action could unfold at Estoril on Wednesday:

#1 Marco Cecchinato vs Fabio Fognini

Marco Cecchinato

Marco Cecchinato takes on compatriot Fabio Fognini in an all-Italian matchup in Estoril Open for a place in the quarterfinals.

The 96th-ranked Cecchinato beat Argentine Diego Schwartzman to improve to 4-3 on the season. His three other wins have come in Pune, Cordoba, and Santiago.

Meanwhile, World No. 97 Fognini won for only the second time in nine matches this year, beating qualifier Alessandro Giannessi in the first round. His only other win in 2023 came at Rio de Janeiro.

Fognini has taken three of his four previous meetings with Cecchinato, but on current form, the latter should win this one.

Prediction: Cecchinato in straight sets

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#2 Pedro Cachin vs Sebastian Baez

Pedro Cachin

In an all-Argentine matchup, Pedro Cachin takes on fifth seed Sebastian Baez for a place in the last eight.

World No. 67 Cachin beat Tsun-Hsin Tseng for only his third win in 13 matches this year. His two other wins came at Buenos Aires and Indian Wells. Meanwhile, the 32nd-ranked Baez improved to 10-8 on the season by beating Radu Albot in his opener.

The two Argentines haven't met previously, but Baez should emerge victorious.

Prediction: Baez in straight sets

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#3 Casper Ruud (Estoril Open top seed) vs Joao Sousa

Joao Sousa

Top seed Casper Ruud begins his Estoril Open campaign against wildcard Joao Sousa.

The fifth-ranked Ruud is 5-6 on the season. He has crossed the opening hurdle at his last four tournaments since Auckland. Meanwhile, World No. 147 Sousa improved to 3-8 in 2023 by beating Giuliu Zeppieri in his opener.

Ruud has won all three of his previous meetings with Sousa - all on clay - and should prevail again.

Prediction: Ruud in straight sets

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#4 Luca van Assche vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Davidovich Fokina

Luca van Assche takes on third seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for a place in the Estoril Open quarterfinals.

The World No. 91 Van Assche notched up his first ATP Tour win by beating qualifier Pedro Sousa. The 18-year-old Dutchman is now 1-3 for the year. Meanwhile, the 24th-ranked Davidovich Fokina is 11-8 on the season, reaching quarterfinals in Adelaide 2, Doha, and Indian Wells.

Davidovich Fokina should take this first-time matchup.

Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in straight sets