There are many interesting matches on Day 2 of the ATP National Bank Open in Montreal. The remaining first-round matches will commence as some of the players return from the Paris Olympics, including the duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2, split between four articles. The other three articles feature Gael Monfils vs Thanasi Kokkinakis, Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik, and Denis Shapovalov vs Brandon Nakashima. But who will advance to the next round?
ATP Montreal Day 2 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina returned from injury in Atlanta last month and played some good tennis to make the quarterfinals. However, his loss against Flavio Cobolli was messed up as he squandered five match points to lose in the round of 16 at the Citi Open. Davidovich Fokina made the semifinals of the National Bank Open last year and will hope for a good start. Roman Safiullin showed some spark at the Paris Olympics and played some of his best tennis in a long time. Safiullin will look to turn his season around on his favourite surface but it won’t be easy against the Spaniard. This will be Safiullin’s first match back on hard courts so it might take him some time to adjust.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Mackenzie McDonald is finding it hard to win matches lately but, has to be sharp this week as he tries to defend quarterfinal points from last year. McDonald did well to come through qualifying against two dangerous opponents and was clutch while saving break points. Matteo Arnaldi is a tough opponent but the first match back on a hard court after playing on clay recently, won’t be easy. The Italian has also been in horrible form in the last few months. McDonald should be able to win this if he does the basics well.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-Head: Auger-Aliassime 0-1 Cobolli
These two in-form players will come into this match with lots of confidence and maybe a bit of tiredness. Auger-Aliassime played wonderful tennis at the Paris Olympics and defeated two Top 10 players en route to the semifinals. He looked gassed in his Bronze Medal match against Lorenzo Musetti and has a short turnaround. Cobolli reached his first ATP final at the Citi Open last week, playing some inspired tennis at times. Auger-Aliassime will look to dictate behind his serve while Cobolli will look to disrupt the rhythm. This is a hard one to call given fatigue might be an issue but I will back the Canadian in front of his home crowd.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-Head: First meeting
After a long and exhausting week at the Paris Olympics, this is the ideal first-round match for Taylor Fritz. Mariano Navone has just played one tour-level match on hard courts and would prefer to play on clay again if given a choice. Fritz does not have to be at his best to win this match. A good serving day will do the job for the American player as Navone will find it hard to absorb the pace from Fritz’s racquet.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
