We look to predict more opening round matches on Day 2 of this year’s ATP Srpska Open in Banja Luka, including what could be a tight contest between Juan Pablo Varillas and Hugo Gaston and Gael Monfils’ continued comeback against up-and-coming Jiri Lehecka. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will win?
ATP Banja Luka Day 2 Predictions
Hugo Gaston vs Juan Pablo Varillas
Head-to-head: 1-1 (all levels)
With both players having reach a Challenger final on clay in March, this could be a pretty exciting match. Still, there’s no denying the level from Hugo Gaston comes and goes. His first-serve is very erratic for a professional player and he’s scrapped his way to victory against some relatively low-ranked players recently.
Juan Pablo Varillas should be there to take advantage if there’s any dip in the Frenchman’s game. The Peruvian’s forehand often rivals the qualities of the best clay-courters in the world. This weapon alone makes him the favourite against a player that can’t be relied upon.
Prediction: Pablo Varillas in 3.
Elias Ymer vs Abdullah Shelbayh
Head-to-head: First meeting
Abdullah Shelbayh made it through the qualifying rounds of an ATP event for the first time to emerge in the main draw of Banja Luka. This isn’t a 19-year-old lacking in experience–Shelbayh has already notched five top-200 wins throughout his career, even defeating Jason Kubler in Manama.
There is a worrying lack of experience on clay to take into account, however. Shelbayh will probably break into the top 100 at some point in his career but Elias Ymer may be able to stave off the Jordanian by taking the legs from underneath him.
Prediction: Ymer in 3.
Jiri Lehecka vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: First meeting
There’s a few too many question marks here. This could have been a pretty spectacular match but it seems unlikely we will see Gael Monfils in full flow. This is also a venue that will demand some fitness from the former world #6.
To make matters worse, Jiri Lehecka is a brutal first-round, taking an insane level to beat the Czech in Monte Carlo. It’s just way too early to expect anything close to that from Monfils.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
