Though the Rome Masters has just finished and the French Open is just around the corner, the ATP Tour has filled the spare time with more tournaments. This week, we’re at the ATP 250 in Lyon. On Day 2, we have the up-and-coming Frenchman Arthur Fils, the Belgian veteran David Goffin, and the superb Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in contention. As always at LWOT, we’ve tried to predict the outcomes of their matches. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in another article.
ATP Lyon Day 2 Predictions
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Oriol Roca Botalla
Head-to-head: First meeting
There doesn’t appear to be too much danger of an upset in this match. Oriol Roca Batalla lost in qualifying to Zhizhen Zhang and appears in the main draw having lost three of his last eleven clay-court matches at all levels, including a 6-2 6-4 loss to the world #849.
Whilst Kecmanovic has been on a three-match losing streak of his own, his place as an established top-50 player has never felt in doubt lately. Cast your mind back to his stunning run to the final of Estoril only six weeks ago where his patience and forehand doing more than enough damage against decent players. The Serbian shouldn’t be troubled here.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2.
David Goffin vs Alvaro Lopez San Martin
Head-to-head: First meeting
If there wasn’t danger in the previous match, there certainly is in this one. David Goffin hasn’t been in the best form recently, his ranking dropping down to outside the top 100. He’s getting older, his best shots have lost just a little bit of their zip and his service numbers on the year have been pretty stagnant.
Alvaro Lopez San Martin is a qualifier ranked outside the Top 300 that will feel he has nothing to lose. He’ll swing for the fences and could absolutely come out on top if Goffin is feeling off. The Belgian will potentially have the rally tolerance to grind this one out but it feels very nip and tuck.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Arthur Fils vs Zhizhen Zang
Head-to-head: Fils 1-0 Zang (all levels)
It’s clear Arthur Fils is a talented player. He has the huge-forehand-foundation to excel on this surface and has only really taken respectable losses on clay this season. The problem is how often he can reproduce with that weapon.
Fils is still a little incomplete and Zhizhen Zang will be ready to pounce when there are any openings. With the surface slowing down the two players’ shots however, Fils should find the consistency required to dominate most of the rallies with his heavy strikes.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
