A number of notable names from the past are in action on day 2 of main draw play from ATP Bucharest, the Tiriac Open clay court tournament. Stan Wawrinka, David Goffin, and a returning Denis Shapovalov are on the match card as we look at the day’s play with predictions.
David Goffin vs Miomir Kecmanovic
In their only meeting, Goffin scored a routine win at the French Open, a 2-6 start at the tour level this year does little to inspire confidence though. While Kecmanovic is a respectable 8-12 and has shown some prowess on clay in his career. Goffin has achieved a lot more in his career but he’s a shell of the player he was right now, and Kecmanovic should secure victory. Kecmanovic in 2
Nuno Borges vs Stan Wawrinka
At 2-7 to start the year, Wawrinka badly needs a shot of confidence right now, Borges is 9-11 at tour level this season with an ATP Challenger Title already in his trophy cabinet. Borges already broke into the top 50 this season for the first time and he should continue his momentum by defeating a wounded Wawrinka. Borges in 2
Lorenzo Sonego vs Joao Fonseca
Sonego is 6-12 on the year but did put together a decent run in Monte Carlo, Fonseca reached his first ATP Challenger Tour final in March, the 17 year old from Rio is the next great hope for Brazilian tennis, before participating in the pro circuit, Fonseca was the #1 ranked junior in the world and he won the 2023 US Open Boys title. Fonseca has a lot of talent at his disposal but he lacks experience at this level, he won two matches at his home tournament in Rio on clay however, and Sonego isn’t the most reliable player week to week, this is a winnable match for Fonseca, but I do have him falling short. Sonego in 3
Valentin Vacherot vs Marton Fucsovics
Fucsovics is 6-8 on the year and comes off of the quarterfinals in Estoril, Vacherot has reached a career high ranking of #138 and was excellent in qualifying after he has already won three ATP Challenger Tour titles this season. This is an intriguing and quality matchup, Fucsovics is certainly the favorite but Vacherot has found a new level to his game lately and an upset looks to be in the cards. Vacherot in 3
Carlos Taberner vs Pedro Martinez
Martinez dominates the h2h against his fellow Spaniard 5-1, he is also on a hot streak right now, winning a Challenger Title (in addition to one other Challenger final this year), and reaching the final of ATP Estoril. Presuming fatigue isn’t a factor, riding the hot hand of Martinez is a safe pick right now. Taberner came through qualifying but doesn’t usually make a significant impact at the ATP Tour level. Martinez in 2
Radu Albot vs Aleksandar Kovacevic
Kovacevic broke through to the ATP Tour level this year on the back of a tremendous 2023 at the ATP Challenger Tour level, he’s now 5-9 on the season and has been steadily gaining momentum. Albot for his part is far removed from his past top 50 ranking but he did come through qualifying here and recently made a Challenger final. This is a coin flip match, Albot’s form seems to be improving though and that gives him an edge. Albot in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Corentin Moutet
Moutet won their only meeting which came on clay, the Frenchman has been limited this season but did reach the semis in Santiago on clay. Shapovalov, a former top 10 player, is just 4-10 on the season as his game has lagged since he returned from a serious knee injury. Shapovalov’s game still has plenty of promise, but on this surface Moutet feels like a small favorite as both players seek to find confidence. Moutet in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
