With 16 first-round matches on the schedule on day two at the Tokyo Olympics, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis – even if the absence of fans is a major blow to the event. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every scheduled match including Kei Nishikori vs Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev vs Lu Yen-hsun and Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Stefanos Tsitsipas. But who will reach the second round?
Tokyo Olympics Day 2 Predictions
Andy Murray vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Jim: This is a match that Andy Murray could win. Felix Auger-Aliassime is a very talented player, but he is not the most consistent and, at times, he has wilted under pressure. But is this a match that Murray will win? Probably not. Auger-Aliassime’s power, particularly on the backhand side, looks likely to end up being too much for Murray to contend with.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Yesh: This is a brutal draw for Murray. Auger-Aliassime has been playing well this year, though his last hard court match was back in March. I don’t know how healthy Murray is, but the two-time defending Gold medallist always brings his best at the Olympics.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Jack: The two-time defending champion has absolutely nothing to lose – Murray’s last meeting with Felix Auger-Aliassime may have been a whitewash but he won’t be anywhere near as tired this time and will certainly give it his all. He’s also used to the courts in Tokyo, an advantage that might be absolutely crucial against someone who hasn’t never played in the Japanese capital before. I may not be thinking with my head here but I’ll back the dogged Scot.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Damian: The two-time defending champion is coming to Tokyo with very different expectations this time around. Especially as the draw sees him face one of the most relentless power players of the Next Gen. Murray’s defense was holey at Wimbledon and he probably can’t get it back to his best this quickly.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
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Marton Fucsovics vs Hubert Hurkacz
Jim: Hubert Hurkacz will surely be full of confidence after his run to the Wimbledon semifinals, which provided a much-needed shot in the arm for the Miami Open champion’s season. He has been handed a very tough draw here, but he should have just about enough power and variety to find a way past Marton Fucsovics.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Yesh: Fucsovics is solid and in good form after reaching the second round at Wimbledon, but Hurkacz is in the midst of a major breakout season. I expect that to continue on this most unique of big stages.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Jack: Both players had phenomenal Wimbledon runs and will be feeling super-confident so expect a high quality match at the very least. The conditions will suit Hurkacz’s game more than Fuscovics’, however, and I’m quietly expecting form reminiscent of Miami.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Damian: Fucsovics is a really tricky matchup and with how Hurkacz’s career has been going, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he went out early after a big result like reaching the Wimbledon semifinals. The Hungarian tracks down everything and he might just rattle his opponent’s cage enough to find the upset.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
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Kwon Soon-woo vs Frances Tiafoe
Jim: This may prove to be one of the more competitive matches of the first round at the Tokyo Olympics. But Frances Tiafoe will likely make most of the running thanks to his greater power. Kwon Soon-woo covers the court just about as well as anyone, but if Tiafoe is at his best, the American might just be able to hit through him regularly enough to reach the second round.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Yesh: Tiafoe has been playing better this year, and is finding some measure of consistency. So is Kwon, but the South Korean doesn’t have the firepower to keep up with the American.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Jack: Kwon has picked up some decent wins this year and could be energetic enough to take the win here if Tiafoe isn’t feeling up to it. It’s rarely an easy match for the South Korean but I think his consistency will get under the skin of Tiafoe. Prediction: Kwon in 3
Damian: For the most part under the radar, but Tiafoe has been playing some excellent tennis this season. He’s still struggling for consistency but the best version of his could even be quite dominant here.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
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Diego Schwartzman vs Juan Pablo Varillas
Jim: It will be interesting to see what sort of level Juan Pablo Varillas brings to this match. It’s certainly a relatively rare opportunity for him to play on a big stage. But although Diego Schwartzman has not been at his best of late, the Argentine probably won’t have too many problems dispatching Varillas.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Yesh: Schwartzman has a favourable surface to play on and a favourable draw. The Argentine should cruise here.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Jack: Varillas only just made the draw for the Olympics, his ranking being boosted by a couple of Challenger titles from 2019, sustained by the rankings freeze. He could be dangerous if he feels he has nothing to lose but the likelihood is that Schwartzman will be too solid for him.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Damian: Varillas only plays his best on clay courts and while the conditions in Tokyo are reportedly rather slow, the courts at the Tokyo Olympics should suit Schwartzman a lot more. This should be relatively comfortable.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
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