The first European ATP clay court event of the year continues in Marbella, a new event on a single year’s license given the situation worldwide. Whilst the likes of top seeds Carreno Busta and Fabio Fognini are yet to get underway, there’s still a whole lot of matches on Tuesday for the fans to enjoy! We also predict the day’s other four matches.
ATP Marbella Day 2 Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Facundo Bagnis
Head-to-head: Cerundola 1-0 (Challenger)
2021 has been a mixed bag for Cerundolo to say the least. After a stunning run to the Buenos Aires final as a qualifier, things went a little south. Cerundolo wom just three games against fellow argentine Diego Schwartzman in the final. In his only event after that, he also won just three games in Santiago. Ironically enough, Santiago was where Bagnis made the final, barely coming up short, losing 7-5 in the final set to Cristian Garin. It’s an extremely hard match to call given both have made clay court finals within the last few months but purely based on Cerundola winning their only meeting four months ago with ease, he’s my favorite here.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Henri Laaksonen vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Munar 1-0 (Challenger)
When you watch Munar at his best, there’s most definitely a good clay courter in there, or at the very least one ranked above his current ranking of #95. Recent form for the Spaniard hasn’t been good, however. Thankfully, for his sake, his 29-year-old opponent had lost four of his last five matches before qualifying for this event. I can’t see the man from Switzerland posing much threat here.
Prediction: Munar in 2
Ilya Ivashka vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Martinez 1-0 (Qualifying)
Before COVID-19 it would be a little shocking at times if you had an official ATP Tour match between two men ranked 100 and 115, but that’s exactly what we have here. In fairness though, it’s hard to argue against either deserving a spot in the main draw here. The Belorussian won the Ortisei Challenger near the end of last year and last week lost 6-4 in the final set against Denis Shapovalov, ranked inside the world’s top 1t. Martinez, on the other hand, won the Challenger event here in Marbella in November last year and followed it up with a run to the Australian Open third round in February. Unfortunately, the Spaniard had to withdraw during his first round match in Miami. But if he’s fit, he gets the nod from me.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Feliciano Lopez vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: Lopez 1-0
In what I consider to be the most exciting match of the day, Feliciano Lopez aged 39 is still around and kicking. He may not be anywhere near the force he once was but credit where it’s due it’s insane at his age he’s still ranked inside the world’s top 70. Clay is no doubt the worst surface for both men so it’s a bit hard to imagine how this is going to go. Logically you would think the Japanese would be able to get enough returns into play and move Lopez handily around the court.
Prediction: Daniel in 2
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