It’s Day 2 of the AtP Mutua Madrid Open where there will be a packed schedule of the remaining first-round matches. Banja Luka champion Dusan Lajovic will face Australia’s Jason Kubler, while Lorenzo Sonego will play fellow big hitter Jan-Lennard Struff in among the most notable matches of the day. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Madrid Day 2 Prediction
Jason Kubler vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Lajovic has managed to chip away at his ranking following his sensational title win in Banja Luka. He is back in the top 40. What he pulled off in Bosnia is no mean feat and you suspect he might be feeling it physically. The last time he won an ATP title in 2019, he struggled to shake off the post-title win hangover in the following week. Despite possessing the game style that thrives on hard courts, Kubler has actually played more matches on clay in his professional career. It’s not entirely on his racket, but the Aussie can serve his way out of trouble here, particularly against a heavy-legged Lajovic.
Prediction: Kubler in 3
Abedallah Shelbayh vs Pedro Cachin
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a big moment in the young career of Abedallah Shelbayh, who received a main draw wild card to play in his first Masters tournament. Shelbayh has vast potential and he is no longer the mystery man who just a few months ago not many people heard of. In the countable matches he has played at the Challenger and Tour level he’s shown admirable tennis IQ. He’ll be tough to put away for the experienced Pedro Cachin. The Argentine is 9-8 on clay this year, finishing runner-up at the Madrid Challenger two weeks ago. Aside from that, he hasn’t really been in sparkling form on his beloved clay. Look out for Jordan’s new star to impress here.
Prediction: Cachin in 3
Nicolas Jarry vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s not been a fruitful return to the European clay for Nicolas Jarry. Since he pushed Alcacraz to his absolute limits in Rio and then captured his second ATP title in Santiago, a lot was expected of Jarry this month. He’s lost three matches so far and a Top 32 seeding spot might be out of reach at the French Open. Safiullin has won two qualifying matches to reach the main draw, but he’ll need to work his socks off to close the undeniable gulf in talent between the pair. And it’s unlikely he will succeed in this matchup.
Prediction: Jarry in 2
Lorenzo Sonego vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-head: Sonego 1-0 Struff
Since Monte Carlo, the wheels seem to have gone off the Jan-Lennard Struff train. A crushing defeat in Munich against Alexander Ritschard was unexpected as was his below-par performance against Karatsev in qualifying at the Madrid Masters. He enters the main draw as a lucky loser. When Struff is not at his best, his usual free-flowing game becomes streaky and full of errors. Expect Sonego to take advantage and cause even more damage.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
