The draw is stacked at the Japan Open in Tokyo, and 12 first-round matches are scheduled for Wednesday. Almost every match is super interesting and tough to predict. This article features the top seed, Taylor Fritz. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. We split the rest of the day’s matches between two other articles–featuring Marin Cilic vs Kei Nishikori and Casper Ruud vs Jordan Thompson. But who will advance?
ATP Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Jack Draper vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-Head: First meeting
After a great run to the semifinals of the US Open, Jack Draper lost both his matches at the Davis Cup. They were close losses to quality opponents, so Draper shouldn’t be worried. He has a chance to get back on track this week and make some impact in his first appearance at the Japan Open. Mattia Bellucci has been in good form recently, and it showed in the qualifying matches. The Italian is on the verge of breaking into the top 100, and a win will probably secure that. However, I wouldn’t say I like his chances against Draper, who will enjoy the fast conditions here.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Tomas Martin Etcheverry had a subpar North American hardcourt swing. However, he is coming to Tokyo with two wins in the Davis Cup, which should give him some confidence. Etcheverry has never won a match here but will like his chances against Christopher O’Connell, who is coming through qualifying. The Australian likes playing on this surface and was a few points away from upsetting Lorenzo Musetti last week. This should be a close match, but I am backing the Argentinian.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Holger Rune vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Holger Rune’s bad run of form continued at the Hangzhou Open as he lost his opening match. Rune is now on a three-match losing streak and made 40 unforced errors in his last match. Alejandro Tabilo is more than good enough to capitalize if Rune plays another bad match. However, Tabilo’s form is even worse, having lost seven matches in a row. Both of these players are making their Japan Open debut. Rune can be erratic but is more experienced on these fast hard courts.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Taylor Fritz is in the form of his life but might be slightly tired from the Laver Cup. His improvement in defense has taken his game to a new height, making him a more complete player. Fritz is a former champion here and knows the conditions extremely well. Arthur Fils has a dangerous game when on but the form is lacking. The American No.1 might be jet lagged but he is in a great space and should clinch this.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Yannick Peterhans – USA TODAY Sports
