The 2025 edition of the ATP Auckland Open is in full swing. Day 3 promises to be full of action with all eight Round of 16 matches scheduled. As ever, we preview and predict all eight matches spread over two articles for you.

ATP Auckland Day 3 Predictions
Sebastian Baez vs Jenson Brooksby

Head-to-head – First Meeting

Sebastian Baez and Jenson Brooksby come into this matchup with very different types of momentum. Brooksby looked sharp in his first round, and he handled the faster conditions well, which suits his game. Baez, on the other hand, had to work hard to get through his opening match and is generally more comfortable on the clay courts. On this surface, Brooksby should have enough consistency and pace to edge this one out.
Prediction: Brooksby in 3

Marcos Giron vs Alex Michelsen

Head-to-head – Giron 2-0 Michelsen

Both Marcos Giron and Alex Michelsen are coming into this match in good form after reaching the semifinals in their last tournament. Giron does hold the head-to-head edge, but Michelsen appears to have the superior power from the baseline. If Michelsen is able to dictate play and recover from his long match in the first round, expect Michelsen to nab the win.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3

Luciano Darderi vs Alejandro Tabilo

Head-to-head – Darderi 1-2 Tabilo

Luciano Darderi begins his season here as the fourth seed, and he will be looking to make a solid start. Alejandro Tabilo is coming off a first-round loss in Hong Kong, and he hasn’t had much momentum heading into this event. Darderi is the higher-ranked player and continues to grow steadily among a strong group of Italian players. He may show a bit of rust early on, but it should still be enough to see him through.
Prediction: Darderi in 3

Ben Shelton vs Francisco Comesana

Head-to-head – First Meeting

Ben Shelton starts his season here as the top seed and will be focused on picking up important match practice ahead of the Australian Open. Francisco Comesana did look good in his first round, but this is a big step up in level. Shelton’s firepower should be the deciding factor especially on his serve, and that should be enough for the win.
Prediction: Shelton in 2

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images