Several exciting ATP Belgrade matches are scheduled for Day 2. 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic’s contest against home favorite Alexandre Muller is one of those. We at LWOT predict all the action between this and a separate article, including Denis Shapovalov vs Marton Fucsovics. But which players do you think will progress?
ATP Belgrade Day 2 Predictions
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Pavel Kotov
Head-to-head: Etcheverry 1-0 Kotov
Kotov’s poor form during the indoor hardcourt season is somewhat surprising. The conditions should suit his game, as he showed during his run to the final of the Stockholm Open. Etcheverry has been competing well in his last two tournaments. The Argentine’s greater solidity will likely be good enough against his struggling opponent.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 2
James Duckworth vs Lukas Klein
Head-to-head: Duckworth 1-0 Klein
Neither man has been in particularly good form lately. Since neither player possesses overwhelming power, there promises to be plenty of long rallies between these two. At his best, Duckworth might be slightly more adept in the indoor conditions in Belgrade, but this promises to be a very tight match.
Prediction: Duckworth in 3
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0 O’Connell
Kecmanovic is generally most comfortable playing on clay. However, the home favorite in Belgrade has won the opening round in all his indoor hardcourt tournaments in the last few weeks. The Serbian’s forehand is a more significant weapon in those conditions than it used to be. Overcoming that might be challenging for O’Connell, whose recent form does not give many reasons to be confident.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
Marin Cilic vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cilic has lost four consecutive matches since a stunning run to the Hangzhou Open title in September. He was probably happy to draw Muller, who has yet to find his best tennis during the indoor season. But players often struggle to find their rhythm again after surprising title runs like Cilic’s in Hangzhou. The Croatian’s season could peter out in Belgrade.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
