The ATP Tour transitions to its North American hardcourt summer swing with a 250 event in Atlanta. The Atlanta Open features a ton of top competitors, including Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Chris Eubanks, among others. Americans have dominated this event, winning nine of the last 12 editions. Eight Round 1 matches will take place on Day 2 in Atlanta, including former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori taking on Jordan Thompson. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of the Atlanta Open. But who will advance?
ATP Atlanta Day 2 Predictions
Alex Michelsen vs Maxime Cressy
Head-to-Head: Michelsen 1-0 Cressy
18-year-old Alex Michelsen has been on an absolute heater the past few weeks. After winning the Chicago Challenger, he headed to Newport for his second career ATP event. Michelsen took down Maxime Cressy 6-7, 6-4, 7-5 in Round 1 for his first tour-level victory. He won three more matches in Newport and finished runner-up to Adrian Mannarino. Michelsen was ranked No. 600 in the world to start the year. He now sits at No. 133. Cressy will seek revenge after losing to his younger countryman last week. The big-serving American has won just a single match since the start of March, but I believe he gets on track in this match. Michelsen will be worn down after playing ten matches in the last two weeks.
Prediction: Cressy in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Constant Lestienne
Head-to-Head: Humbert 1-1 Lestienne
Frenchmen Ugo Humbert and Constant Lestienne will square off with a spot in Atlanta’s second round on the line. Humbert has been playing solid tennis recently, holding a 14-6 record since May. Lestienne, on the other hand, is just 1-6 in his last seven matches. These two will be evenly matched on a hard court. Ultimately, I give Humbert a slight advantage due to his ability to sustain longer rallies and defend from both corners.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Ben Shelton vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-Head: first meeting
No. 6 seed Ben Shelton will take on qualifier Juncheng Shang in Round 1 in Atlanta. Shelton has struggled of late, winning just two of his last nine matches. However, his luck should turn as he returns to his favorite surface. His 18-year-old opponent has played solid tennis recently, holding a 12-4 record over his last 16 matches. That said, only one of those wins came against a player ranked inside the top 100. Shelton’s serve and powerful forehand should be able to pierce Shang’s defense.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Kei Nishikori vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-Head: Nishikori 1-1 Thompson
Former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori will play his first ATP Tour match in nearly two years when he takes on Jordan Thompson in Atlanta. Nishikori won the Palmas Del Mar Challenger in June and holds an 8-2 record in Challenger Tour matches over the last month. The 33-year-old has looked competent during his comeback but will get a real test against a top-100 player. Thompson is coming off a solid grass season and is looking to carry that momentum throughout the summer. He is a tough player to face when coming back from injury, as the Aussie makes you earn every point. In this match, his consistency and movement will be too much for Nishikori.
Prediction: Thompson in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
