Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem played each other in the US Open final three years ago. It happened fairly recently, but both players have been through so much since. Which one of them can bring anything closer to their peak on Tuesday in Halle? Who do you think will advance to the second round?
ATP Halle Day 2 Predictions
Aslan Karatsev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: Karatsev 3-1
Aslan Karatsev lost to Roman Safiullin in the final qualifying round, but managed to sneak into the main draw as a lucky loser. Lorenzo Sonego will not be too happy to see him there as he has a pretty poor record against the Russian, although they’ve never played on grass. It feels like this surface could actually favor the Italian’s timing a lot more and could lead to Karatsev going on some error streaks if he’s not careful enough.
Prediction: Sonego in 3
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Tallon Griekspoor vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 2-1
Roberto Carballes Baena beat Tallon Griekspoor in Marrakech earlier this year, but it will be much tougher here. The Dutchman’s ankle injury seems to have given him a bit of a pass last week as he was able to clinch the title in Hertogenbosch. Following up on a run like this can be tough, but grass is the least physical of the three surfaces. On a quicker court, Grieskpoor’s power should be crucial here against Carballes Baena.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
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Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem
Head-to-head: Thiem 7-4
Dominic Thiem chose to keep playing on clay after the French Open, but he didn’t do any damage in the Challengers in Heilbronn and Perugia. On top of that, the third set he played against Stefano Travaglia last week was some of the worst tennis we’ve seen from him and he looked completely disinterested. Alexander Zverev had more time to get ready for the grass and should be able to take out one of his biggest rivals here. Of the two, he’s the one a bit closer to his best.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
