A stacked Day 2 at ATP Beijing features ten exciting first-round matches. This article features the No. 4 seed, Andrey Rublev, and the No. 5 seed, Grigor Dimitrov. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. The rest of the matches are predicted in two separate articles, including Carlos Alcaraz vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Daniil Medvedev vs Gael Monfils. But who do you think will advance?
ATP Beijing Day 2 Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Lorenzo Musetti reached the final of the Chengdu Open last week but couldn’t get the win. Musetti didn’t play his best tennis and will look to improve this week against tough competition right from the start. Zizou Bergs played two solid matches to qualify for the main draw. Bergs has never won against a top-20 player, so this would be a great challenge. I expect a close match but Musetti should prevail.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Jakub Mensik vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Jakub Mensik won two three-setters in the qualifying rounds to advance to his first main draw at the China Open. Mensik is one of the most promising young talents on the tour and will look to make some impact this week. Francisco Cerundolo looked brilliant in his win over Casper Ruud at the Laver Cup. His serve has looked very good in his last few matches. With a great forehand, Cerundolo can seriously threaten anyone if he can maintain a good serving performance.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-Head: Dimitrov 4-1 Bautista Agut
I am a little surprised to see Grigor Dimitrov in the draw after his injury at the Laver Cup, which sidelined him for the last two days. But if he is fit, then he is a force to be reckoned with at the China Open. The Bulgarian is a former finalist here and made the quarterfinals last year. Roberto Bautista Agut did well to qualify for the main draw. However, he has a poor record against Dimitrov, losing the last four matches. If Dimitrov is healthy, he should take this.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-Head: Rublev 2-0 Carreno Busta
Andrey Rublev lost early last year at the China Open and will look to make a deep run this time around. He is well-rested coming into the tournament, which makes him dangerous. Rublev has a lot of points to defend for the rest of the season, so a head start here will help him. Pablo Carreno Busta is a tough opponent for a first-round match, but the Spaniard is still finding his best level. I expect a tight battle, with Rublev winning in the end.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
