The ATP Estoril Open is under way, with plenty of tough matches fought out on Monday. Plenty more title contenders begin their tournaments on day 2, with some mouth-watering matches on display. As always, we will be discussing our top picks to head into the next round in Portugal. So, who will come out on top? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Estoril Day 2 Predictions
Marco Cecchinato vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: Harris 1 – 0 Cecchinato
This should be a very interesting match. Cecchinato is a former French Open semifinalist, and has proved himself on clay a number of times. However, he hasn’t managed to reproduce this high level for a few years now. Currently ranked at #94, he’s a long way off his career high of #16. That said, he’s a very powerful player with a monstrous forehand and serve.
Lloyd Harris has been in wonderful form this year, mainly his sensational run in Dubai where he made it to the final, before losing to Aslan Karatsev. Harris also leads their head-to-head due to a straight sets win at last year’s US Open. On paper, the odds are certainly in his favour. However, this will be his first match on clay for the season, whereas Cecchinato played in last week’s Serbia Open. Cecchinato’s record on clay may count in his favour here, and could see him through in a tight match.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: First meeting
The talented and exquisite youngster Bublik has shown some good promise this clay season, but hasn’t managed to get a good string of results yet. The same also goes for qualifier Martinez, who’s had a couple of good results so far but hasn’t made many big strides so far. Bublik’s class and ability are often good enough to see him through most of his matches, and this should also be expected here.
If Bublik can utilise his all court game efficiently and play with the explosive variety we’ve grown accustomed to, then he should be victorious. However, Martinez can make things tough on clay and as Bublik is less comfortable on this surface, it may be a close match. Expect Bublik to pull though in the end, but he will be made to work for it,
Prediction: Bublik in 3
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Marcus Giron vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: First meeting
Moutet, the rising French star, goes into this as the favorite. This will be his third straight tournament on the clay, and he’s showing some good form. His grinding style of tennis suits the surface well, whereas Giron may struggle. The American is yet to play on this surface this season, and this will likely be a big disadvantage.
We witnessed Giron’s power in his four set loss to Alexander Zverev at this year’s Australian Open, and he’s come up with a few good wins since then. However, he won’t be able to rely on his bulk and strength to win this match. Moutet is quick and extremely athletic and won’t allow Giron many free points. If he can keep the rallies going throughout the match, expect him to grind it out fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Cameron Norrie vs Joao Sousa
Head-to-head: Norrie 1 – 0 Sousa
Another interesting matchup here. Norrie has been playing some of his best tennis recently, and his performance in Barcelona recently was excellent. He may not have any big weapons, but his all-court game is very solid and he can make himself incredibly tough to beat. Sousa, the home favourite, will have a very difficult time putting him away. He lost to Norrie in their first and only meeting in 2019, though this was on a hard court.
The Portuguese veteran hits the ball incredibly hard and has had lots of success on clay, but his power will no doubt be soaked up by the surface and Norrie’s defence. Sousa will have the home advantage and he always plays with heaps of confidence, so it’s definitely likely that he’ll take a set. However, Norrie’s form is great right now and he should come through with the win.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
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