Following weather-related disruptions that affected the initial two days of the tournament, Day 3 of the ATP Miami Masters 1000 is set to deliver a dense schedule of matches as organizers strive to realign the timetable. Among numerous anticipated clashes, the debut encounter between Carlos Alcaraz and João Fonseca stands out as a focal point.
Miami Open Day 3: Match Predictions
Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs. Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: First official meeting
While Carabelli secured a commendable victory against Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round, he faces a significant challenge on this surface against Sebastian Korda. Korda has demonstrated a strong resurgence, highlighted by his impressive title run in Delray Beach and consistent form since the Australian Open. If he sustains this caliber of play, Korda is expected to advance with considerable ease.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Luciano Darderi vs. Martin Landaluce
Head-to-head: First official meeting
Having successfully navigated the qualifying rounds, Landaluce achieved an excellent win over Marcos Giron in his first-round match. He couldn’t hope for a more favorable main draw opponent than Darderi, whose current ranking predominantly reflects his prowess on clay courts. On this hard-court surface, Landaluce possesses a strong opportunity to secure another victory and extend his promising run in the tournament.
Prediction: Landaluce in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut leads 6-5
This long-standing rivalry, which commenced in 2016, boasts 11 encounters with remarkable parity. Currently, Khachanov maintains his position within the Top 20 and is capable of significant tournament runs, whereas the 37-year-old Bautista Agut is striving to remain within the Top 100. However, Bautista Agut has shown strong form recently in Indian Wells and now in Miami. He faces a competitor he has defeated multiple times and could pose a substantial challenge for Khachanov, potentially even securing an upset against an opponent who hasn’t had a stellar 2024 season to date. Regardless, this match is anticipated to be much more competitive than their respective rankings imply.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs. João Fonseca
Head-to-head: First official meeting
Without a doubt, this is the day’s most eagerly awaited match, pitting the World No. 1 against one of tennis’s most exciting young talents. Fonseca will essentially have home-court advantage given the passionate crowd support he’s expected to receive. His impressive performance in Indian Wells, coupled with Alcaraz’s less dominant displays in Miami in previous years, offers a glimmer of hope for the young Brazilian. However, while Fonseca might ignite a spark during the match, overcoming Alcaraz at this stage of their careers would require an extraordinary, monumental effort.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
