16 ATP Montreal matches are scheduled for Day 2 of the event. The electrifying Ben Shelton plays his first match of the tournament against the equally entertaining Alexander Bublik in what promises to be a terrific match. We at LWOT predict all the action here and in separate articles, including Denis Shapovalov vs Brandon Nakashima, Taylor Fritz vs Mariano Navone, and Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Gael Monfils. But which players do you expect to prevail in Montreal?
ATP Montreal Day 2 Predictions
Jordan Thompson vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: First meeting
Thompson has enjoyed an excellent start to the North American hardcourt season. He reached the final in Atlanta and the quarterfinal at the Citi DC Open last week. Draper is playing his first hardcourt match since March after competing at the Olympics on clay in Roland-Garros. Facing the in-form Australian in his first hardcourt match is tough for Draper. Thompson’s greater sharpness on the surface should be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Thompson in 2
James Duckworth vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Giron 1-0 Duckworth
Giron is a very tricky customer on hard courts. His game, at its best, is more solid than Duckworth’s. The American’s only stumbling block could be rustiness after competing at the Olympics. However, he lost in the first round of the games, meaning he has probably had ample practice time on hard courts since then. There are no weapons in Duckworth’s game to hurt Giron. I struggle to see him staying with his opponent over three sets.
Prediction: Giron in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Mannarino 2-0 Rinderknech
Mannarino’s form since the Australian Open ended has been truly woeful, with only three victories (excluding a walkover against Yoshihito Nishioka in Dallas) during that period. His playing style does not suit Rinderknech, who struggles against flat shots like his compatriots. Backing Mannarino right now is risky, but I will go with him to win a tight match. He has lost some close matches recently, and this is a great chance for him to stop the rot.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Bublik 2-0 Shelton
There will not be many long rallies in this match, but expect some outrageous shotmaking. Shelton lost his two previous meetings against Bublik. However, those were on clay, the American’s worst surface by a comfortable margin. Although the margins are likely to be tight, Shelton is the favorite on a hard court. He is capable of holding his serve quickly and waiting to find a chance on Bublik’s delivery. Shelton has also been good in tiebreaks this year, which could also be important in this match.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
