Our ATP Halle Day 2 predictions continue with the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Sebastian Korda. The draw in Halle is very deep which is unsurprising given the limited number of grass court events before Wimbledon. Several top contenders for that Grand Slam will be looking to find their feet on grass and cement their contender status here in Halle once Tuesday’s action comes to an end. We take a look at how they should fair here. As ever, we welcome comments and debate should you wish to share your views or discuss our takes!
ATP Halle Day 2 Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Christian Garin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Neither player has played since the French open, so form in general and on grass won’t feature in making this call. Nor will past encounters, as this pair are meeting for the first time here in Halle. Korda’s game is probably better suited to the faster grass courts. His serve is noticeably stronger and he has more power off the ground than Garin. However, the Chilean has great variety and is a superb mover and defender with very few weaknesses when he is in full flow. If both play well this will be a tight contest. However, I expect Korda’s serve and past pedigree on grass to see him over the line in the end.
Predictions: Korda in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Marton Fucsovics vs Roberto Bautista-Agut
Head-to-head: 2 – 1 Fucsovics
This match is almost certainly going the distance. Both Bautista-Agut and Fucsovics are gutsy players with immense endurance who will have no problem grinding out long rally after long rally. Neither has a clear advantage as far as weapons go, though the Spaniard’s forehand is useful on grass. That being said, he is yet to play on the surface this year whereas Fucsovics brings a quarterfinal appearance in Stuttgart with him to this event. If the Hungarian is fit and focused, he should edge this out, but only just.
Predictions: Fucsovics in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s hard to make much of a case for Altmaier here. The German lost to compatriot Oscar Otte in the first round in Stuttgart last week whereas Kyrgios made the semifinal of that same tournament. It took an inspired Andy Murray to stop him, but the Aussie remains a real danger on grass. His serve is one of the best ever seen in the men’s game and he has superb feel and confidence around the net. Kyrgios is one of the top three or four players in the world on grass and on most days the only person who beats him is himself. He looks fit and focused this year though, so I can’t see a famous Kyrgios meltdown getting in the way of a win for the mercurial Aussie here.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
