Nine singles matches are on the schedule at ATP 250 Chengdu on the second day. The all-Australian match between Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson is the most intriguing. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for every match on the slate, including five in a separate article. But who will advance into the second round?
ATP Chengdu Day 2 Predictions
Christopher O’Connell vs. Alibek Kachmazov
Head to Head: First meeting
O’Connell is the clear favourite here being the higher-ranked player. The Australian has been successful in the Asian swing so far. O’Connell made the quarterfinal in the Guangzhou Challenger the week after claiming the title in the Shanghai Challenger. Kachmazov has not been as good here, losing in the second round in Guangzhou. The Australian should have little bother with the qualifier
Prediction: O’Connell in 2
Nuno Borges vs. Philip Sekulic
Head to Head: First meeting
Borges clearly has the advantage even though they have not met on the circuit before. The Portuguese is in his first Asian swing tournament this year. Australian Sekulic has come through qualifying to make the main draw. Sekulic has been in Asia for a few weeks, so should be acclimatised to the conditions. This will be a tough match, but Borges should get through
Prediction: Borges in 3
Benjamin Lock vs. Miomir Kecmanovic
Head to Head: First meeting
Lock came through qualifying here to make the main draw, defeating fourth seed en route. A good week in Rwanda will stand the Zimbabwean in good sted in China. Serbian Kecmanovic is playing his first tournament since the US Open, other than the Davis Cup and is the seventh seed. Kecmanovic has already played here though in doubles action, so the court conditions shouldn’t be a surprise.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
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Zizou Bergs vs. Dusan Lajovic
Head to Head: First meeting
Bergs on a wildcard and Lajovic a direct entry. The Belgian and Serbian will be an exciting match. Like his compatriot Kecmanovic, Lajovic is fresh from the Davis Cup qualifying, where they easily made it through to the finals in Spain. Fatigue could be a factor, however, the Serbian will give his all to make the next round. The Belgian will spring a surprise here
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Max Purcell vs. Jordan Thompson
Head to Head: Purcell 2-0 Thompson
Doubles partners against each other in singles. Purcell and Thompson have played twice before, with the sixth seed winning both of them. Knowing each other’s game so well will make this yet another interesting matchup between the Australians. Purcell as the slightly higher ranked player should make the next round.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
