The final preparations before the Australian Open are well underway at the ATP Adelaide International. There is a jam-packed schedule on Tuesday containing eight matches. As many as six home players are in action. Who will reach the second round?
ATP Adelaide Day 2 Predictions
James Duckworth vs Li Tu
Head-to-head: Duckworth 3-1 Tu
Historically, this has always been Duckworth’s most productive stretch of any season. He’s won a handful of Challenger titles and usually makes it to the sharp end of the draw of the tournaments where he finishes empty-handed. Li Tu is the embodiment of grit and believing in second chances. He won his first Challenger title at 26 two years ago having been away from the sport between 2014 and 2020. But even with his previous record of debilitating injuries, I trust Duckworth’s experience in managing the big moments against a tricky opponent.
Prediction: Duckworth in 3
Roman Safiullin vs Manuel Guinard
Head-to-head: Safiullin 1-0 Guinard
Safiullin’s first-round exit in Hong Kong was not a bad result after all. His conqueror Fabian Marozsan would beat Andrey Rublev. That is not to say Safiullin can get complacent here. Provided he can maintain his offensive rhythm, the Russian should easily overpower the 261st-ranked French clay-court specialist.
Prediction: Safiullin 2
Arthur Cazaux vs Adam Walton
Head-to-head: Cazaux 1-0 Walton
Cazaux lost his opening match of the season to Dusan Lajovic in Brisbane. Walton had no issue dismissing the Serbian in this qualifying round in Adelaide. When they last played in the Phoenix Challenge last season, Cazaux won a tight straight-sets match. The Frenchman’s fluid shotmaking gives him a major advantage, especially if he can lure Walton into longer rallies. However, the Australian’s serve could prove to be the decisive shot that limits Cazaux from covering the full width of the court. I’ll take the momentum player who has been clutch on breakpoints saved (15 saved in qualifying).
Prediction: Walton in 3
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Tristan Schoolkate
Head-to-head: first meeting
Etcheverry wasn’t particularly impressive at the United Cup where Argentina was eliminated in the group stage. He was outclassed by Alex de Minaur and dropped a set to Billy Harris in his only singles win.
Schoolkate has a rare main draw wild card in Adelaide. His only main draw win at the Tour level was in last year’s US Open when he battled back from two sets down to beat Taro Daniel in five. If he were to add to it, then home territory is the likely place to do so against a clay-curt specialist.
Prediction: Schoolkate in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
