A busy second day of ATP Hangzhou action is scheduled. Nine matches are on the slate, and the seeded Yoshihito Nishioka is among the players who will step onto the court. We at LWOT predict all the contests split between this and two separate articles–featuring Zhizhen Zhang vs Denis Yevseyev and Alexander Shevchenko vs Marco Trungelliti. Which players do you think will win?
ATP Hangzhou Day 2 Predictions
Corentin Moutet vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: Moutet 2-0 Carballes Baena
Moutet won his two previous meetings with Carballes Baena, although neither of those were on hard courts. However, Moutet’s triumph earlier this year on clay in Santiago is an ominous sign for Carballes Baena. The Spaniard plays his best tennis by far on the dirt, with 39 of his 41 finals at ATP, Challenger, and Futures levels coming on the dirt. Carballes Baena has struggled much more on hard courts. Moutet’s left-handed forehand caused Carballes Baena problems in their previous meetings, and I expect that to also be the case in Hangzhou.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Aslan Karatsev vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karastsev has struggled badly since returning at the end of April from an extended period out with an injury. His best tennis throughout his career has been on hard courts, but he has been far below that level for months. By contrast, Bellucci is enjoying his best season to date and is close to breaking into the Top 100 for the first time. Karatsev’s overall CV is more impressive, but Bellucci’s superior confidence right now might make the difference.
Prediction: Bellucci in 3
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Maximilian Marterer
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nishioka often plays his best tennis during the Asian swing. Three of the 28-year-old’s six ATP Finals have come in Asia. Marterer has had some good results this year, but his work is cut out in this matchup. The courts in Hangzhou are quick, suiting Nishioka’s preferred style of redirecting his opponent’s pace. Marterer will need to serve well to have a chance of overcoming Nishioka, but it will probably be too great of a challenge.
Prediction: Nishioka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
