Day 2 of the ATP Open 13 Provence sees seven Round of 32 matches scheduled in Marseille. Some top names begin their campaign here in Marseille including the likes of Kei Nishikori. We preview and predict all seven of the clashes–four in this article, and three in a second article.
ATP Marseille Day 2 Predictions
Mikhail Kukushkin vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head to head – First Meeting
Mikhail Kukushkin enters this match with no form whatsoever. He has endured two first round defeats in his last two events both of which were a challenger event. Kukushkin’s form makes this match lie slightly in the favor of Arthur Rinderknech. The Frenchman has put up a solid show in qualifying so far and that momentum should help him get through.
Prediction: Rinkderknech in 3
Alex Molcan vs Lucas Pouille
Head to head – First Meeting
Alex Molcan has had decent results in the two Challenger events prior to this and has backed that up in qualifying. The Slovakian will know that Lucas Pouille is in a form slump and that should motivate him even further. The Frenchman needs to be at his best if he’s to progress here and that is something he is struggling with.
Prediction: Molcan in 3
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Feliciano Lopez
Head to head – Tsonga 5-0 Lopez
The head to head is a little misleading here as their last meeting was way back in 2012. It’s good to see that these two are still competing and facing off once again. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had a bad start to 2021 as he crashed out in the first round in Montpellier. Feliciano Lopez loves playing on courts like these and the Spaniard is still going strong at 39 years old. Expect a thrilling clash with a tight contest throughout with Lopez finally winning his first against Tsonga on the back of his serve and volley tactics.
Prediction: Lopez in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
