There are some great ATP matchups on the second day of the Madrid Open. This includes a very exciting battle of the talented teenagers. As always, we at LWOT predict that match and the rest of the day’s at the ATP Madrid Open, including Rafael Nadal vs Darwin Blanch and Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka. But who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Matteo Arnaldi vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: Arnaldi 1-0 O’Connell
Christopher O’Connell is quite a good player on the clay, despite the trajectory of his shots usually being more suited to hard courts. Matteo Arnaldi is most naturally comfortably on clay, although he has made strides on other surfaces in the last 12 months. Overall, the Italian should have the beating of O’Connell. He has a major advantage in the forehand-to-forehand battle. Arnaldi is likely to dictate off that wing regularly enough to prevail.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 2
Dominik Koepfer vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: first meeting
Roberto Carballes Baena has hit some form after a slow start to the season. He was the runner-up in Marrakech, before winning two rounds in Barcelona. The Spaniard will get strong home support, but the slightly quicker clay-courts in Madrid may help Dominik Koepfer more and give him a chance. Nonetheless, Carballes Baena’s terrific recent form and consistency make him a slight favourite. But it could be a close match.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Zhizhen Zhang
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0 Zhang
Expect this to be a tight battle. Miomir Kecmanovic will undoubtedly have to soak up a lot of pressure from the big-hitting Zhizhen Zhang. Clay gives the Serbian the best chance of being able to do that, with the dirt also being his favourite surface. Zhang will emerge victorious if he finds his range throughout the match without his level dropping. However, the Chinese player rarely goes an entire match without his level dipping at some point.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Alex Michelsen vs Joao Fonseca
Head-to-head: first meeting
These two will undoubtedly be stars of the game for many years to come. Alex Michelsen has more ATP experience, but Joao Fonseca has played more matches since his junior days on clay. The American’s movement on clay still needs a lot of improving, meaning it is even more important that his powerful serve and groundstrokes are firing. Yet, despite being just 17-years-old, Fonseca’s game is likely to stay more consistent on clay.
Prediction: Fonseca in 2
Main photo credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun /USA TODAY NETWORK
