There are eight singles matches on Tuesday’s schedule at the 2022 ATP Serbia Open in Belgrade. That includes Dominic Thiem’s clash against John Millman, as the Austrian will appear on the court just for the second time since June last year. Who do you think will make the second round? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Belgrade Day 2 Predictions
Hamad Medjedovic vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hamad Medjedovic is a talented prospect, recently taking back-to-back titles at M15 Antalya. The 18-year-old scored a win against Daniel Elahi Galan here last year and has done some good work to improve his game since then. However, Laslo Djere will likely be too solid for his compatriot. Medjedovic has more pop in his groundstrokes now but it’s hard to beat the 26-year-old without a huge weapon to dictate the rallies with.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Mikael Ymer vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: Ymer 1-0
Mikael Ymer arrives in Belgrade on a five-match losing streak and finds himself really low on confidence. The Swede used to be a great clay-courter at the Challenger level, but in recent years he’s progressively becoming more of an all-surface player. The lack of confidence and match rhythm might be an issue for him here, especially as he’s facing an opponent who’s just come through the qualifying campaign. Roman Safiullin might not be fully in his element on the dirt, but the amount of tennis he’s played in Belgrade already will help him fine-tune his game and give the Russian a good chance to beat Ymer for the first time.
Prediction: Safiullin in 3
Dusan Lajovic vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: Lajovic 4-0
Taro Daniel has added new layers to his game this year, especially by improving the serve that was never really one of his assets. Just a couple more free points per set have allowed him to take his game to a new level, winning 20 matches in 2022 already. He should also benefit from having a lot of practice in Belgrade after a great qualifying campaign. Against an off-form Dusan Lajovic, it’s enough to make him a slight favorite. The Japanese should have a good chance at getting a win in what was previously a very tough matchup for him.
Prediction: Daniel in 3
Dominic Thiem vs John Millman
Head-to-head: Thiem 4-0
Dominic Thiem was far off his best at the beginning of his comeback at the Marbella Challenger, losing in straight sets to Pedro Cachin. His streak of bad luck continued as he contracted COVID just after. That setback might prove crucial as he didn’t really have time to develop his fitness. John Millman might not be at his best on clay, but if there’s something the Australian excels at, it’s grinding down his opponents. The longer this match goes, the underdog’s chances will progressively increase.
Prediction: Millman in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
