Gold medal favorite Novak Djokovic takes on Hugo Dellien on day 1 of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. We have predictions for all of the Olympic tennis action, split between four articles. One features Fabio Fognini vs Yuichi Sugita, the second headlines Tennys Sandgren vs Pablo Carreno Busta, and the third features Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Bublik.
Novak Djokovic vs Hugo Dellien
Damian Kust: At the previous Olympics Djokovic got Del Potro in the opening round, and it is no question that Dellien is not even remotely this dangerous. The pressure will be on the Serbian in this event, but the difference in class will be way too big here. Djokovic in 2
Steen Kirby: Dellien is happy to be here, but has little hope of winning this match absent a Djokovic injury. Djokovic is the world’s best player, it would be a shock if Dellien was able to push him at all. Djokovic in 2
Yesh Ginsburg: Novak Djokovic is a man on a mission. I have no idea if anyone can stop his path to a Golden Slam, but I do know that Hugo Dellien can’t. Djokovic in 2
Jeremy Chardy vs Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera
Damian: Chardy slowed down after a great start to the season, but perhaps going back to hard courts can revive him. Barrios is primarily a clay-court specialist, and he doesn’t really have the weaponry to combat an opponent like that, provided Chardy’s forehand is as dangerous as always. Chardy in 2
Steen: Barrios Vera is playing well, although most of his success has come on clay, the experienced Chardy hasn’t been a top tier player for quite some time and his best days are behind him. Barrios Vera has a great shot at advancing here. Barrios Vera in 3
Yesh: Chardy is likely in his final Olympics, but he has the draw to make the most of it. This is a favorable matchup for the Frenchman. Chardy in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Thiago Monteiro
Damian: Monteiro has a lead in the head-to-head, but all their previous meetings had been contested on clay. This surface definitely favors Struff, although the Brazilian could have his chances if he can end up dragging his rival into extended rallies. Struff in 3
Steen: The h2h is split, both players are struggling mightily but on a hard court Struff should be slightly better. This match will likely not be the best quality. Struff in 2
Yesh: This could be a good match, but if Struff is at his best he should be able to blast his Brazilian opponent off the court. Expect an easy win for the German. Struff in 2
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Damian: Basilashvili has finally found some form and this seems like a pretty ideal matchup. Carballes Baena can’t take time away and should allow the Georgian to stay in his comfort zone, dominating the rallies with his huge powerful shots. Basilashvili in 2
Steen: Basilashvili leads the h2h 2-0, and had a good grass court season. Carballes Baena is a capable player but hard courts are not his forte and his form isn’t quite as good. Basilashvili in 3
Yesh: Basilashvili is very hit or miss right now. When he’s playing well he can beat anyone, but he can also lose horrendous matches. Carballes Baena is far more consistent and the safer pick. Carballes Baena in 2
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