It promises to be an entertaining second day at the ATP Basel Indoors, with a number of star names set to enter the fray in Switzerland. As always, we at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on day two in Basel, including Stan Wawrinka vs Alexander Shevchenko. But who will book their place in the second round?
ATP Basel Day 2 Predictions
Dominic Stricker vs Benjamin Hassan
Head-to-head: Hassan 1-0 Stricker
Benjamin Hassan is ranked far outside the top 100 and was soundly beaten by Emil Ruusuuori in the Stockholm first-round last week, claiming just three games. However, there are some reasons for optimism for the Lebanese player. He is playing close to the best tennis of his career to qualify for ATP main draws.
Hassan also defeated Dominic Stricker in their only meeting last year. The Swiss has struggled since his run to the fourth-round of the US Open nearly two months ago. Are the stars aligning for a Hassan upset? It doesn’t seem likely. Stricker seems to perform better on bigger stages this season, and a home ATP 500 event is a big stage. Expect him to rise to the occasion in front of home support.
Prediction: Stricker in 2
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Dusan Lajovic vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-0 Lajovic
Hubert Hurkacz still has a chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals. The pole is currently 11th in the race, with his stunning run to the title at the Shanghai Masters breathing fresh life into his chances. He did suffer a close loss to Zhizhen Zhang in Tokyo, but that was unsurprising after his efforts in Shanghai.
He is likely to get back on track in his opening round in Basel. Lajovic is a gritty competitor, and the Serbian has had a decent season overall. But he is unlikely to have enough firepower to defeat Hurkacz. The two-time Masters champion should prevail if he is anywhere close to his best.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
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Holger Rune vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0 Rune
It is a repeat of the round-of-16 clash in Stockholm, which Miomir Kecmanovic won convincingly in straight sets. Holger Rune’s collapse in form since Wimbledon has been extraordinary, including a first-round loss at the US Open. It is hard to predict a win for the Paris Masters champion with any confidence.
Rune reached the final in Basel last year, and is defending a huge number of points from his extremely successful indoor season in 2022. The Dane’s slump cannot go on for much longer, considering his immense talent. Rune to get a much-needed win in Basel, but it is likely to be scrappy for long periods.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Main photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
