First-round action continues at the Kitzbuhel Open. A total of eight matches are on the slate in Austria and we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all eight, including Albert Ramos Vinolas vs Laslo Djere. But who will book their place in the second round at the Kitzbuhel Open?
ATP Kitzbuhel Open Day Two Predictions
Dennis Novak vs Maximilian Marterer
Head-to-head: first meeting
Dennis Novak will surely have been disappointed to exit the US Open 2020 in the first round after having run into an inspired Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who won in five sets. The Austrian would do well to put that out of his mind as he begins his campaign at his home tournament with a winnable first-round match. Maximilian Marterer impressed in qualifying, but should struggle to get past Novak who’s slightly more consistent.
Prediction: Novak in 2
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Alexander Bublik vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: first meeting
Alexander Bublik is an exciting prospect to watch out for and he should put up a strong showing this week at Kitzbuhel. Bublik interestingly hasn’t played a lot of clay court main tour matches in his career but that shouldn’t be a major issue as his shot variety and vision should bode well for the slower surfaces as well. He takes on Yannick Hanfmann who’s been playing challenger events since the tour restarted and the German wouldn’t relish taking on Bublik at all. Expect Bublik to put up an entertaining performance and proceed to the next round.
Prediction: Bublik in 2
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Jannik Sinner vs Philipp Kohlschreiber
Head-to-head: Sinner 1-0 Kohlschreiber
The young Italian, Jannik Sinner would be devastated after squandering a two sets to love lead against Karen Khachanov in the first round of the US Open. That kind of match leaves its baggage and that’s something that can bring Sinner down for this match. He takes on the two time ATP Kitzbuhel Open champion Philipp Kohlschreiber who brings tons of experience with him to the court. Expect experience to prevail over youth with Kohlschreiber kicking off his campaign in a strong manner.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 2
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Feliciano Lopez vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Head-to-head: Lopez 2-1 Herbert
Should be the match of the day. Clay courts are not Feliciano Lopez’s strongest suit as his serve and volley game style doesn’t match well with the slower surface. However, the Spaniard has won a title on clay which should make this match pretty even. Pierre-Hugues Herbert too isn’t very adept on the clay but he looked strong in his two qualifying matches. Expect a long and tight three-setter with both players relying on their serves a lot. The Frenchman should just clinch this one on the back of his better baseline game and should break down the Lopez slice.
Prediction: Herbert in 3
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