The 2nd day at the ATP 250 in Marrakech sees three matches with players who are meeting for the first time as well as the potentially explosive encounter between veterans Stan Wawrinka and Albert Ramos Vinolas. As usual, we at LWOS predict who will advance to the next wound.
ATP Marrakech Day 2 Predictions
Fabio Fognini vs Hugo Gaston
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Fabio Fognini won two consecutive matches for the first time this year on the back of a shocking loss to Arthur Gea in the Challenger event in his home country. The former Italian #1 was three games up in the final set before capitulating to the young Frenchman. He faces another Frenchman in Hugo Gaston who hasn’t won in four attempts and will be eager to bag a win on his favored dirt. This should be a win spot against the struggling Italian.
Prediction: Gaston in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Abedallah Shelbayh
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Of the 57 wins Flavio Cobolli registered last season, 44 of them were on clay. He’ll therefore be confident of a seamless transition from a successful hardcourt swing to his favorite surface and should have no problems defeating his Jordanian opponent who has been plagued with injuries and inconsistencies all season.
Prediction: Cobolli in 2
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Matteo Gigante
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Apart from his retirement against Mikhail Kukushkin in the final of the Tenerife Challenger event in early March, Matteo Gigante has won at least a set in his last 15 matches, winning 13 of them and I’ll expect him to nick another one against the defending champion. However, Roberto Carballes Baena’s experience in these surroundings should be enough to get him over the line.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Albert Ramos Vinolas
Head–to–Head: Wawrinka 8 vs 0 Ramos Vinolas
There will be more to this encounter than just advancing to the next round as Albert Ramos Vinolas will be determined to get one over Stan Wawrinka as both players enter the twilight of their careers. This has to be arguably the most dominant head-to-head currently on tour and it even gets more interesting as six of the matches have been on clay. Wawrinka hasn’t won in three matches but he’ll be confident as he steps on his favorite surface against his favorite opponent.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
