Day 2 of the ATP Barcelona Open sees a number of big names getting their campaigns underway. Title contenders such as Casper Ruud and Cameron Norrie will be looking to get off to the perfect start on an action-packed day. As always, we will be offering up our prediction’s on the day’s play. So, who will march on?
ATP Barcelona Open Day 2 Predictions
Lloyd Harris vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lloyd Harris finally found some form in Miami, but this is far from his favourite surface. Unless the South African can find a way to bring his best tennis to the clay, then this will be a tough opening round. Carballes Baena remains a great clay-court player, and given this is his home tournament he’ll be hoping for a solid run this week.
Harris undoubtedly has bigger weapons but these will be neutralized by the clay and Carballes Baena will most likely get everything back and grind out the majority of the rallies. Harris may play well enough for a set, but I can’t see him being good enough to consistently hit through the Spaniard’s defenses.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Hugo Dellien vs Manuel Guinard
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players came through qualifying and have a great chance to get some much needed points this week. Dellien is the higher ranked and more experienced at this level, and he’s capable of some excellent tennis on the clay. He impressed in Monte Carlo qualifying last week but was unable to get past Hubert Hurkacz despite giving him a tough match.
Guinard hasn’t got too much experience main draw experience but has put in some impressive performances on the Challenger circuit recently. However, this lack of experience should work in Dellien’s favour well. Expect the Frenchman to throw everything at Dellien but the world #89 should be too good here.
Prediction: Dellien in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Egor Gerasimov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cameron Norrie recently reached the top 10, and fully deserves it after the wonderful form he’s been in over the last year or so. He has developed his unorthodox game excellently across all surfaces, but remains a fantastic player on the clay. There’s no doubt in my mind that he can win this tournament, and he’s going to be a mighty tough man to beat for anyone.
Gerasimov is capable of wonderful performances on his day, but these are extremely rare on clay as his heavy ball striking is so neutralized. It’s hard to see him throwing anything at Norrie that will cause the Brit much trouble. Expect Norrie to come through this one comfortably as he sets his sight on a great week here.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Casper Ruud vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
One of the most exciting matches of the first round. Casper Ruud has been in wonderful form in recent times and is firmly cementing himself as a great top-1o player. He will no doubt be a serious contender for the title this week, and will want as much form and confidence as possible as he builds towards the French Open. However, it, won’t be a cakewalk to get things underway.
Nakashima isn’t talked about much right now in American men’s tennis, with Fritz, Opelka, Korda and Brooksby holding the limelight. He’s still an excellent prospect and seems to be quietly getting better and better as time goes on, and he has the ability to make life difficult for Ruud here. He has very solid and heavy groundstrokes and can be really tough to hit past. However, Ruud is simply a class above right now – he’s incredibly solid, the serve is big and his forehand is absolutely lethal. I expect Ruud to win in straight sets, but the American will make them tight.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
