Five first-round matches are scheduled on Day 2 of the ATP 250 in Stockholm. It will be the most sought-after ticket in town, as two home players will be in action. Leo Borg, the son of legendary former player Bjorn, will be chasing his second-ever ATP match win when he faces Alexandre Muller. So, who will progress?
ATP Stockholm Day 2 Predictions
Jacob Fearnley vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s remarkable how a losing effort tends to be the catalyst of something beneficial in the long run. That’s the story of Jacob Fearnley, whose heroic act in the four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon showed he belonged on the ATP stage. Fearnley has finally touched the world’s Top 100 for the first time. He enters this match with a tailwind of confidence thanks to back-to-back Challenger titles this past month in Rennes and Orleans. He’s also won two matches in qualifying at the weekend to reach the main draw in Stockholm. Corentin Moutet is at his most vulnerable setting on an indoor hard court. Fearnley should sail into the second round.
Prediction: Fearnley in 2
Laslo Djere vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Djere 2-0 Martinez
Pedro Martinez was the last man standing at the Valencia Challenger two days ago. He did not drop a set en route to his second title of the season on the ATP’s second tier. However, the challenge is how quickly he can transition to an indoor hard court in less than 48 hours. Laslo Djere hasn’t played a lot of tennis since he retired hurt at the US Open. But he’s coming off a strong qualifying run that included a straight-sets win over Next Gen champion Hamad Medjedovic. Djere has a more potent game, which should give him the edge on this surface.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Cameron Norrie vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Norrie 3-0 Kecmanovic
Cameron Norrie is no longer a Top 50 player. The same applies to his opponent, Miomir Kecmanovic. Still, there is a lot of tennis to be played between now and the end of the season. It is still feasible that both of them can turn the tide. Norrie has shaken off a forearm injury that wreaked havoc on his schedule. He missed the entirety of the North American hard-court swing. Kecmanovic has struggled for consistency all year, and this matchup has been somewhat unsolvable for him. Norrie should pinch this if he plays to his strengths.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Leo Borg vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: first meeting
Leo Borg’s presence in the main draw in Stockholm was inevitable. He is still chasing that elusive first win in his home city. He’s been playing ITF tennis for most of the season, where the fields are comparatively weaker. However, he did impress during his short-lived cameo in Bastad in July when he won seven games against Rafael Nadal. That remains his only appearance at the Tour level this year. Alexandre Muller is vastly experienced. Although he is prone to occasional lapses, the Frenchman should make the gulf in rankings count.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Nicolas Jarry vs Elias Ymer
Head-to-head: Jarry 1-0 Ymer
Jarry started the season well on his way into the Top 10. But since that memorable run to the final in Rome, he’s had disastrous second half of the season. Much of that can be attributed to a severe ear infection that surfaced while competing at the Olympic Games. He’s just not been the same player. Elias Ymer doesn’t have the results to back up the pre-tournamnet prediction that he could seize the moment in his home city like last season. So, Jarry will likely flip the script and return to winning ways.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
