After the final clay Masters event of the year ending in Madrid, The ATP Tour moves to the remaining smaller clay events before Roland Garros in a few weeks, starting with Geneva and Lyon this week. This week sees the return of 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and former US Open champion Marin Cilic. We also predict the rest of Monday’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Geneva Day 2 Predictions
Pablo Andujar vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: 0-0
The Spaniard has gone under the radar the past five or so years, from being one of the better clay courters in the world injuries have plagued his career hugely. Despite all that, however, at 35 years of age he still finds himself inside the world’s top 80 with wins here and there on the dirt. Thompson’s game is not suited to the clay like pretty much every other Australian out there on tour. This is going to be a huge grindfest from the back of the court and the Spaniard should get through it.
Prediction: Andujar in 2
Marton Fucsovics vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: 0-0
No doubt one of the matches of the opening round here in Geneva. It wasn’t too long ago the Chilean was a few games away from a Masters semifinal in Madrid, whilst also winning his home event in Santiago in March. Fucsovics hasn’t had the best start to his clay court season with just one win in his last four matches. Ultimately, Garin is one of those typical clay-courters who for the most part beats players he should beat and loses to those who he shouldn’t, he does everything well but nothing amazingly. Fucsovics, well on this surface he is someone Garin should beat.
Prediction: Garin in 2
Marin Cilic vs Dominic Stricker
Head-to-head: 0-0
For the second time in a month, former US Open champion Marin Cilic plays a teenager. The first time around was against the very talented young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz; this time it’s against an 18-year-old wild card ranked outside the top 400. Despite Cilic being in awful form these past few years and being barely a shadow of himself, it’s a match he should win. Stricker’s last two losses have been against players ranked #964 and #786 in the world. Cilic even on his worst days plays at somewhat of a higher level than that.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
