A busy day of ATP Monte Carlo action is scheduled for Day 3. Grigor Dimitrov will try to make a positive start on his least favorite surface against Nicholas Jarry who currently holds a slight lead in their head-to-head. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches. But which players do you think will triumph?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 3 Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-Head: Jarry 2-1 Dimitrov
A compelling clay-court battle awaits as Nicolás Jarry and Grigor Dimitrov meet in the Monte Carlo first round. Jarry leads their head-to-head 2–1, with both wins arriving on clay. All three of the Chilean’s ATP titles have come on this surface, underlining his comfort on clay. Dimitrov, however, enters in strong form, having just made the semifinals in Miami. While not a natural clay-courter, the Bulgarian reached the Monte Carlo semifinals in 2022 and owns a solid record at this event. Jarry’s heavier game may thrive in the slower conditions, but Dimitrov’s current confidence, better all-court movement, and past success at Monte Carlo give him a slight edge in what could be a tight, high-quality encounter.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: Etcheverry 1-0 Moutet
Tomas Martín Etcheverry and Corentin Moutet face off in the Monte Carlo first round in a rematch of their Rio clash earlier this year, which Etcheverry won in straight sets. The Argentine has been more consistent on clay, with a solid record in South American events and a game well-suited to slower surfaces. Moutet, a crafty lefty, has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks the same consistency or firepower, and his recent results have been up and down. Etcheverry’s heavy forehand and baseline stability should give him the edge unless Moutet can disrupt his rhythm with variety and touch.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 4-1 Kecmanovic
Frances Tiafoe and Miomir Kecmanovic square off in Monte Carlo with Tiafoe holding a commanding 3–0 lead in their head-to-head, including a straight-sets win in Hong Kong earlier this year. Tiafoe is coming off a finalist run in Houston, showing signs of form as he transitions to clay. Kecmanovic, though more comfortable on clay historically, has struggled with consistency in recent months. While the slower surface may help neutralize Tiafoe’s power, the American’s confidence and athleticism should carry him through.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Jack Draper vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-Head: Draper 2-0 Giron
Jack Draper takes on Marcos Giron in Monte Carlo, holding a 2–0 head-to-head lead, including a grueling five-set win at the 2024 Australian Open. Draper enters in red-hot form after winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, while Giron impressed with a straight-sets win over Shapovalov in round one. While Draper has shown significant improvement and confidence, Giron’s solid baseline game could pose challenges. However, considering Draper’s recent form and previous successes against Giron, he is favored to advance.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
