Tommy Paul will face Learner Tien in the most intriguing third-round match on Day 6 of the ATP National Bank Open in Montreal. Ben Shelton is one of two previous winners of this tournament remaining. Who will reach the last 16?
ATP Montreal Day 6 Predictions
Tallon Griekspoor vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Arnaldi 1-0 Griekspoor
Griekspoor has won back-to-back matches on the ATP Tour for the first time since February. The Dutchman recorded a statement victory at ATP Montreal in the second round by eliminating top seed and tournament favorite Alexander Zverev. Since his run to the Dubai final, Griekspoor has struggled for consistency, but he goes into this third-round match with plenty of momentum. Arnaldi famously made the Montreal semifinals two years ago and beat Griekspoor at this year’s French Open in four sets. The Italian is an elite mover and will look to turn this into a physical match. But if Griekspoor replicates the colossal serving performance he showed against Zverev, he should be the favorite to progress.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: van de Zandschulp 1-0 Hurkacz
At least three former National Bank Open champions have been knocked out in the first week. And Botic van de Zandschulp was responsible for one elimination. He beat fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 and retains the reputation of being one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. That said, Hurkacz has fond memories competing in this tournament. He reached the 2022 final and lost narrowly to Carreno Busta. The Pole has been in good touch lately, and I expect him to control the shorter exchanges behind his serve and forehand in the key moments of this match.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Ben Shelton vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-head: Shelton 1-0 Bergs
Defending champion Ben Shelton beat fellow American Jenson Brooksby to win his seventh successive match at the National Bank Open. Shelton had to dig deep midway through the second set, rallying from 1-4 down to clinch a straight-sets victory. Zizou Bergs, for his part, came from behind to beat Sebastian Baez 3-6 6-3 6-2 for his first-ever win at this tournament. Bergs is one of the most improved players this season (won his first ATP Tour title on grass). Bergs can seize control should rallies turn neutral, but should Shelton settle into a comfortable serving rhythm, I think this match could get away from the Belgian very quickly.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Tommy Paul vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: Paul 1-0 Tien
Tien enters this match at ATP Montreal as the higher-ranked player (19th). The 20-year-old ended Gael Monfils’ interest in the tournament in a thrilling three-set victory. It’s his first win of this year’s swing after losing to Adrian Mannarino in Washington. Paul also picked up his first win since Wimbledon, beating Valentin Royer in straight sets. Tien’s tennis IQ and composure make him one of the smartest players on tour, but Paul has solved this matchup once (in Delray) and knows what it takes to neutralize the 20-year-old’s offensive power.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
