There is a great schedule of ATP Washington tennis on Day 2. The entertaining and electrifying Denis Shapovalov will look to build on his opening-round victory against Adrian Mannarino. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the matches taking place in the US Capital. But which players do you expect to progress to the next round?
ATP Washington Day 2 Predictions
JJ Wolf vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Wolf is a much more inconsistent player than Kecmanovic. However, the conditions in Washington suit his game perfectly. Fast courts in North America are where he thrives the most, and he will be hopeful of a deep run in the US capital. By contrast, Kecmanovic generally performs best in slower conditions. I would back the Serbian at most tournaments, but Wolf is a slight favourite in Washington.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
Max Purcell vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match is likely to come down to very fine margins. Both players serve well but struggle more on return. The difference in style between the two is that Kokkinakis tries to back up his serve with his forehand, while Purcell regularly serves and volleys. It is a hard contest to call, but the fast conditions in Washington suit Purcell perfectly. Kokkinakis is also prone to mental lapses during his matches and is likely to pay the price if he plays one bad service game in any of the sets.
Prediction: Purcell in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1-1 Mannarino
Mannarino’s form has been woeful, with only three victories since the end of the Australian Open. Shapovalov is also experiencing a tough season, and both players will view this as a great opportunity to get a win. The fast courts in Washington also suit both men’s styles. Usually, I would rate Mannarino’s chances of redirecting the pace of his opponent effectively to progress, but it is tough to trust him right now. Shapovalov’s firepower could be enough to progress against the struggling Frenchman.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
