The remaining seven first-round matches of the 2023 ATP Auckland Classic will be played on Tuesday. It promises to be an entertaining day of tennis and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Ben Shelton vs Sebastian Baez. But who will secure their spot in the round of 16?
ATP Auckland Day 2 Predictions
Laslo Djere vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: first meeting
Jaume Munar claimed both their meetings on clay back in 2018. It’s pretty hard to determine how this one will go, especially as both players made progress when it comes to their performances on other surfaces recently. If it goes to the wire, the Spaniard will probably come out on top as he’s stronger under pressure. Djere may have the higher ceiling, just about, but Munar’s great retrieving skills are more reliable with the Spaniard excellent at making his opponents miss.
Prediction: Munar in 3
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Marcos Giron vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: Giron 1-1 Coria
This will be the first time these two meet on hard courts. Marcos Giron took their 2017 meeting on green clay, while Federico Coria triumphed on the usual red dirt in Barcelona last year. The surface makes a huge difference in this matchup and the Argentinian currently owns a terrible 11-27 win/loss record on hard courts across all levels. Giron, rather more at home on hard courts, shouldn’t struggle here.
Prediction: Giron in 2
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Jiri Lehecka vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-head: Lehecka 1-0 Monteiro
Both players have made it through the qualifying draw, dropping two sets each. Thiago Monteiro is well-known for his clay specialization, but he’s quite capable in faster conditions with his forehand a weapon to be feared when it is firing. However, Jiri Lehecka should be the one taking the win here. The Czech will take the ball early and put a lot of pressure on Monteiro. As long as he can keep the error count low to moderate, it should be enough to see him into the second round.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
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John Isner vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: Isner 1-0 Barrere
Auckland has been one of John Isner’s happiest hunting grounds with the 37-year-old winnning the title here back in 2010 and 2014. Despite a rather limited schedule last year, with a series of injuries keeping him off court, he can still produce great tennis on his day and has a timeless serve. Gregoire Barrere landed in a soft section in the qualifying, but that momentum should still help him keep this match close. Isner will need to be careful. But expect the American’s power to win the day in the end.
Prediction: Isner in 3
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