In one of the final warm up events before the beginning of the French Open next week, the ATP Tour has stopped in southern France for the Lyon Open. Though the majority of the main draw doesn’t begin until Monday, four players are set to kick off their campaigns on Sunday, including former-French #1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. But who will advance to the second round?
ATP Lyon Open Day 1 Predictions Including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Dusan Lajovic
John Millman vs Pablo Andujar (Third on Court Central)
In their first career-meeting, Australia’s John Millman will take on Pablo Andujar of Spain for a place in the second round. Millman has not yet found his best form this season after a career-year in 2018, highlighted by a run to the US Open quarterfinals, but his excellent movement and consistency from the back of the court ensures he is never an easy opponent to face. Andujar, meanwhile, is approaching the end of a career that has, of late, been badly disrupted by shoulder injuries.
But the Spaniard, who won all four of his career-titles, on the red dirt remains a dangerous player on the clay and reached the final at the Grand Prix Hassan II earlier this season. He spreads the court excellently with his forehand and will give little away by way of unforced errors. Long rallies seem certain to be the order of the day in this contest with neither blessed with massive power. But Andujar is unquestionably the superior clay courter and, if he is fit, he should have enough to pass the test of Millman.
Prediction: Andujar in three
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Dusan Lajovic (Fourth on Court Central)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who won the inaugural Lyon Open in 2017 by defeating Tomas Berdych in the final, will open his campaign for a second title against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic, seeded 5th. Tsonga, once ranked as high as 5th in the world, is not the force he once was, but his booming serve and forehand remain a powerful combination and there are few better volleyers on tour than the Frenchman. Beloved by the French public, he should also be able to rely on the overwhelming majority of the crowd for support.
He may need it against Lajovic. The Serbian has enjoyed a fine season, highlighted by a run to the Monte Carlo Masters final (lost to Fognini). He moves well on the clay and can do real damage with both his forehand and backhand, although unforced errors can be a problem for him. But he certainly has the game to cause Tsonga problems. That said, the Frenchman usually saves his best tennis for when playing on home turf. Expect him to show he is not quite a spent force with a memorable victory in front of the Lyon crowd.
Prediction: Tsonga in three
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