The ATP event this week in Sofia has possibly the weakest draw of the year on paper, as the very top players are resting for the World Tour Finals and many on the rung blow are knackered and preferred to start their holidays earlier. There are no top 25 players in the draw, but that doesn’t mean this won’t be a very exciting tournament, with many players surely sensing a rare chance to grab an ATP level title, which they will do their best to capitalize on.
ATP Sofia Day 2 Predictions
Hamad Medjedovic vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: O’Connell 1-0 Medjedovic
The pair faced earlier this year at Wimbledon and O’Connell won a very tough four setter. On hard court, however, the young Serbian might well get his revenge as he tries to finish the season on a high note and break into the top 100. He posted disappointing first round exits in the past two weeks, but before that he came agonizingly close to a final in Astana and generally seems to have a lot of upside going forward.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 3
Cem Ilkel vs Dimitar Kuzmanov
Head-to-head: Ilkel 2-0 Kuzmanov
Both players have a great opportunity for a rare run at ATP level here, with Kuzmanov even enjoying home court advantage here. Ilkel won their two previous meetings, but both were extremely tight. Playing at home in Bulgaria might just give Kuzmanov the edge he needs to advance here.
Prediction: Kuzmanov in 3
Marton Fucsovics vs Terence Atmane
Head-to-head: Atmane 1-0 Fucsovics
Atmane won when the pair faced in the Segovia challenger this year and he looks primed to reach the top 100 soon. Fucsovics is past the peak of his career but he’s still ranked in the top 50 and having solid results even at bigger results. At the end of the season though, it’s likely that the young Atmane will be the fresher and especially hungrier player.
Prediction: Atmane in 3
Jack Draper vs Maximilian Marterer
Head-to-head: Draper 1-0 Marterer
Draper is a very talented player, but injuries have so far hindered his progress. He’s fresh off a challenger title in Bergamo last week though and looks healthy at the moment. He should be one of the favorites to take this tournament and start climbing his way back up the rankings. Marterer is no pushover, but at this point in their respective careers Draper should have the edge.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
