The ATP Barcelona Open 2023 is underway with a jam-packed draw this year. Several top players of the world are gracing Barcelona, Spain and joining them are numerous exciting young talents. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all scheduled matches for you. We split the matches between three articles–the other two articles feature Frances Tiafoe vs Emil Ruusuvuori and Casper Ruud vs Ben Shelton. Who do you think will win?
ATP Barcelona Day 2 Predictions
Round of 64
Emilio Gomez vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head to head – First Meeting
Albert Ramos-Vinolas is into his favorite part of the year and the Spaniard will be looking for a better start than the one he endured last week in Monte Carlo. Despite being 35, he’s still a very potent clay courter and should be able to notch up some good wins again this year. He takes on Emilio Gomez for the very first time and while the Ecuadorian has impressed at times, this match firmly rests with the Spaniard.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 2
Francesco Passaro vs Fernando Verdasco
Head to head – First Meeting
Can Fernando Verdasco still produce the tennis we all know he can is the big question. The Spaniard is now 39 years of age and to play on clay takes quite a toll on the body. His first assignment this week is against a young Italian Francesco Passaro who will be liking his chances of pulling it off. That being said, Verdasco isn’t quite done yet and look out for a slightly vintage performance from him in front of his home crowd.
Prediction: Verdasco in 3
Round of 32
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head to head – First Meeting
Tomas Martin Etcheverry is arriving into Barcelona on the back of an excellent week in Houston by reaching the final. The Argentine will be brimming with confidence and he’ll hope to continue in the same rich vein of form. He takes on the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a high-octane clash that should go down right to the wire. Expect the Argentine to take it to the tenth seed here and just make it.
Prediction: Martin Etcheverry in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Nuno Borges
Head to head – First Meeting
Carlos Alcaraz is back and that should be a welcome sight for tennis fans all over the world. The Spaniard had a stellar first two Masters of the year and he would be eager to start his clay court season with a bang. He faces Nuno Borges who did have a decent win in the first round but Alcaraz should be a class apart here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
