Eight singles main draw matches have been scheduled for Tuesday at the ATP 1000 in Montreal. Former Top 10 players Pablo Carreno Busta and Kei Nishikori are hoping to use this event as another important step in their comebacks, while Frances Tiafoe takes on Alejandro Tabilo in the last encounter scheduled on Court Central. We predict all of the day’s matches, split between this and a separate article. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Montreal Day 1 Predictions
Fabian Marozsan vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: First meeting
It will be interesting to see what sort of physical shape Pablo Carreno Busta is in. In late June it seemed like he was starting to build up some momentum, but then he decided against playing at Wimbledon and didn’t show up in singles at the Olympics. In doubles he was quite alright though and contributed to the upset over No. 1 seeds Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori. Even with his rather inconsistent game, the favorite here probably has to be Marozsan as he’s just go so much more rhythm right now.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-head: Etcheverry 4-2
These two have formed a fascinating rivalry over the past four years, but this will be the first time they face each other on hard courts. Usually that would help out Nicolas Jarry, it’s just very tough to estimate where the Chilean is right now. He’s only played two matches since Roland Garros and lost them both with subpar performances. Maybe Etcheverry can keep up with him even here and after all, there are days when he can get a lot out of his serve too (certainly has the physicality for it).
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Alex Michelsen vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-head: Michelsen 1-0
Beating Kei Nishikori in Chicago last year was actually one of the wins that kickstarted the rise of Alex Michelsen (won his maiden Challenger title later that week). The young American delivered a great performance in that quarterfinal and after a year, his edge in the matchup seems even bigger. Nishikori is trying to get back to top-level tennis for the umpteenth time, but his body keeps holding him back. For now most of his appearances this year he was in a bit of a holiday mode and he’ll need more than just his crazy natural talent to get through someone as solid as Michelsen.
Prediction: Michelsen in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 3-0
Alejandro Tabilo is pretty much a product of the Canadian tennis system and even represented that country in the juniors. He was born in Toronto, but should feel decently at home in Montreal too and has proven many times he’s far more than a clay-court specialist. It seems like things are beginning to trend upwards for Frances Tiafoe right now, but it’s still not quite what the American is aspring to be. Drawing a volatile seed like Tabilo might be exactly what he needs to really get himself back on track.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
