The 2019 Auckland Open has already seen withdrawals and upsets. Get ready for Day 2, which will have veterans Steve Johnson and David Ferrer in action, as well as young stars like Hyeon Chung.
Steve Johnson vs Leonardo Mayer
Starting the day off on Center Court, big-serving American Steve Johnson will take on Leonardo Meyer for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Auckland Open. Johnson, the 9th seed and currently ranked #33 in the world, will enter as the favorite. Mayer has climbed as high as 21 and even came close to defeating Roger Federer at the 2014 Shanghai Rolex Masters, but he possesses fewer reliable weapons than Johnson. Johnson’s power hitting should be enough to subdue Mayer.
Prediction: Johnson in 2 close sets
Embed from Getty Images
Robin Haase vs David Ferrer
Robin Hasae defeated David Ferrer in 2017 in the round of 16 at the Auckland Open in a tight three set match. Ferrer has not had great results lately, but his form at the Hopman Cup bodes well for him. Haase and Ferrer played twice in 2017 both times Haase eked out a narrow victory. Ferrer is known for his fighting spirit and, with the end of his career fast approaching, he will be even more motivated. Haase played well in his tight loss to Nicolas Jarry at the Qatar Open, but Ferrer has looked more convincing so far in 2019.
Prediction Ferrer in 3, with at least one tiebreak
Embed from Getty Images
Guido Pella vs Peter Gojowczyk
Guido Pella and Peter Gojowczyk have both reached three tour-level finals each. Both are solid players, but Gojowczyk’s greater power off both wings, better serve, and willingness to take risks and add pace to his shots should give him the edge. Pella’s best hope will be to blunt Gojowczyk’s serve, and force him to hit extra balls. Pella’s recent withdrawal from the Qatar Open adds an extra element of uncertainty to this encounter.
Prediction: Gojowczyk in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Jose Statham vs Hyeon Chung
Since his run to the Australian Open semifinals in 2018, Hyeon Chung has struggled to maintain consistency. He will be the heavy favorite in this match against an opponent ranked over 200 spots lower in the rankings. His recent loss in Pune to mercurial talent Ernests Gulbis likely will have little impact on his confidence. If he is fit and healthy, his foot-speed and solid baseline play should be more than enough to see him safely through to the next round.
Prediction: Chung in 2
Embed from Getty Images
