One week remains on the tennis tour until the Australian Open, and four ATP Top 30 stars will hope to clinch a trophy at the ATP 250 event in Adelaide. While qualifying matches are still underway, Monday’s action features four main draw matches. LWOT previews the matches below. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Adelaide Day 1 Predictions
Denis Shapovalov vs Zhang Zhizhen
Head-to-head: Zhang 1-0
These two battled in a thrilling encounter in their only previous meeting, in the second round of the 2023 Madrid Open. Zhang won that match in a three-set tiebreak, and that tournament marked the Chinese No. 1 big breakthrough. Shapovalov’s 2024 season ended on a high note with an ATP title in Serbia, but he didn’t look convincing in his opening match in Hong Kong last week. Meanwhile, Zhang pushed Alexander Zverev to three sets in the United Cup, playing three matches. Zhang’s big forehand should be able to break down Shapovalov’s flashy but often inconsistent game.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut 2-1
This match should mark a fun clash of styles. Davidovich Fokina will surely try to use his aggressive game and strong dropshot to break down Bautista Agut’s consistent defense. The pair last played in 2023, interestingly at this tournament. Bautista Agut won that match 6-3 6-2, and his form gradually improved during last season’s tail end. On the other hand, Davidovich Fokina’s form has been sluggish as of late, and it probably won’t be enough to break down Bautista Agut’s tough game.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 2
Arthur Rinderknech vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: Rinderknech 4-2
Similarly to the matchup above, the pair has a history at the Adelaide event. O’Connell won in a 2024 match in straight sets, but the Frenchman has won the last two meetings. Both players have strong serves but sometimes falter under pressure. This was the case last week: O’Connell lost a brutal first-round match, 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10). With the crowd and O’Connell’s experience on these courts, he should be the slight favorite. This will be a 50-50 matchup and may come down to break points and mental toughness.
Prediction: O’Connell in 3
Yoshihito Nishioka vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kokkinakis, the champion of the 2023 Adelaide tournament, is always a fun player to watch during the Australian swing. On top of his title victory here, he’s also reached the semifinals. Nishioka had a solid first week of the season in Brisbane, but his 2024 campaign largely saw his ranking fall. The Aussie should have the crowd and confidence on his side, and will have to consistently make first serves, something that usually allows him to clinch big wins. Expect a close two-setter in this match, with the Aussie having the extra gear.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
