The European (and African) clay-court season gets underway in earnest this week and the entertaining action should continue on day two at the ATP Bucharest Open. Whilst the world’s very best have elected to rest after their exploits during the Sunshine Double, a number of clay-court specialists have made the trip – including the defending champion who makes his bow on day two this year. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate including Roberto Bautista Agut vs Bu Yunchaokete and Stan Wawrinka vs Timofey Skatov. But who will advance?
ATP Bucharest Day 2 Predictions
Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs Radu Albot
Head-to-head: Albot 1-0 Carabelli
At this point in their respective careers and especially given the surface this looks like being a mismatch in favour of Camilo Ugo Carabelli, who has been steadily climbing his way up the rankings and had some excellent runs in the South American clay season, despite repeatedly losing to Sebastien Baez on more than one occasion. He should be looking at another good run here in Bucharest. Expect to beat Radu Albot relatively comfortably.
Prediction: Carabelli in 2
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Martin Klizan vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-head: first meeting
Martin Klizan’s best days seem to be behind him, whereaas Francsico Comesana has been playing some very nice tennis lately, even getting getting the better of Alexander Zverev in Rio a few weeks ago for the best win of his career to date. At this point in their respective careers, Comesana should have a very clear edge in this matchup and is definitely in with a chance of a deep run this week.
Prediction: Comesana in 2
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Luca Nardi vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: Nardi 1-1 Fucsovics
They played each other twice in the space of three days last month in Dubai, with Marton Fucsovics winning in qualifying and Luca Nardi avenging that defeat in the main draw (as a lucky loser), showing how even of a matchup this is. On clay, you would expect Nardi to have some advantage, but Fucsovics is actually the defending champion at this event and will be desperate to defend those points. It should be a very close match, decided by very fine margins.
Prediction: Nardi in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
