This week on the ATP Tour, we’re in Astana for a 250-level event. In this article, we’ve tried to determine whether former Slam champs Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem will get through their first round skirmishes. You can catch the rest of our Day 2 predictions in a separate article.
ATP Astana Day 2 Predictions
Gregoire Barrere vs Jurij Rodionov
Head-to-head: First meeting
There won’t be much in it in this match-up. Whilst Gregoire Barrere is deservedly a regular on the ATP Tour, he is still a half-step behind many players in the Top 50, his level fluctuating slightly from match to match.
Having floated around the outskirts of the top 100 for a couple of years now (and at a career-high ranking of #107), Jurij Rodionov will likely have his chances–we think he’ll take them. He’s well warmed up at this tournament and Barrere doesn’t have anything special that will completely take the Austrian out of the running.
Prediction: Rodionov in 3
Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas
Head-to-head: 1-1
There have been flashes of brilliance for Dominic Thiem this year but it’s still very unclear if he can get consistently back to his best. From match to match though, the level really has been there.
In a match-up like this, we’d expect Thiem to have a little too much in the tank. Juan Pablo Varillas has scored just the one win on the ATP Tour on a hard court against a Top 100 player. The Peruvian is one of those players that’s game is just too suited to one surface.
Prediction: Thiem in 2
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Stan Wawrinka vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: First meeting
Marcos Giron’s fluid all-court game is very easy on the eye. Will it be enough to defeat Stan Wawrinka? In the slightly slower indoor conditions of Astana, it’s certainly possible but the cards are probably dealt in the Swiss’s favour.
Wawrinka loves having a bit of time on the ball meaning Giron may struggle to rush him consistently. It’s more of a question of fitness–in first rounds, where fitness isn’t likely to be an issue, Wawrinka has sustained just two losses the entire year. Giron will put up a fight but Wawrinka will be well up to it.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
