Paris R3 previews and predictions: Nadal vs. Thompson, Rublev vs. Wawrinka

Rafael Nadal will be in action at the Paris Masters on Thursday against Aussie Jordan Thompson following a tough opener. Vienna champion Andrey Rublev will take on Stan Wawrinka in other round-three action.

(1) Rafael Nadal vs. Jordan Thompson

Nadal had a rough start to the Paris Masters. He dropped the first set to friend and countryman Feliciano Lopez and only just scraped out a three-set win. Of course, indoor hard courts are not Nadal’s specialty. In fact, the Spaniard has never won the Paris Masters nor the indoor event at the Nitto Finals.

Still he isn’t facing his toughest test in Thompson. The Aussie got to the round of 16 at the U.S. Open a couple of months ago, but that was largely thanks to a favorable draw. Since then, he hasn’t managed to win more than a match at a time until this week. Thompson did have a good upset victory over Borna Coric in the second round, but it seems unlikely that he’s going to do so a second day in a row against Nadal.

Expect the world No. 2 to perform better on Thursday than he did in the second round.

Cheryl pick: Nadal in 2

Ricky: Nadal in 2 losing 5-7 games

(5) Andrey Rublev vs. (12) Stan Wawrinka

This one between Rublev and Wawrinka might be the match of the day at the Paris Masters. Rublev has absolutely been on fire all year. The Russian has pocketed a tour-high five titles and just snagged one in a packed field in Vienna. A high level is expected from Rublev again on Thursday, obviously.

Stan Wawrinka is a bit more of a wild card. The Swiss has been all over the place. He had a great start to the season in Melbourne, but since tennis’ return from the COVID layoff he’s hardly won a pair of matches at a time. Wawrinka’s match against Tommy Paul in the second round casts a bit of doubt on his form. The veteran got off to a sluggish start that he won’t be able to afford against Rublev.

Rublev has to be the favorite in this one. Wawrinka and his backhand should never be completely dismissed, but the Rublev machine is just rolling right now.

Cheryl pick: Rublev in 3

Cheryl pick: Rublev in 2