ATP Geneva heats up on the second day with a raft of matches, including several between players who will be meeting for the first time, adding an air of uncertainty to the outcome. As always, we at LWOT offer our analysis and predictions. But who do you think will advance?
ATP Geneva Day 2 Predictions
Dusan Lajovic vs Jacob Fearnley
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Jacob Fearnley aims to break into the top 50 as he competes in Geneva. The English youngster will look to build on his impressive showings in Barcelona and Madrid, and he will now face veteran wildcard Dusan Lajovic for the first time, with the 34-year-old Serbian struggling to secure victories on tour this year. Although Lajovic advanced through qualifying to reach the second round in Rome, Fearnley’s recent form suggests that his power and agility could be overwhelming for an opponent whose peak years appear to be behind him.
Prediction: Fearnley in 3
Matteo Arnaldi vs Hugo Gaston
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Matteo Arnaldi was brought back to earth in Rome following his impressive run to the quarter-finals in Madrid. After consigning Novak Djokovic to yet another defeat on his way to the Madrid quarterfinals, he struggled to cope with the pressure of playing at home, resulting in an unexpected defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut in the opening round.
He is now set to compete against Hugo Gaston, a tricky player who has yet to find his rhythm on clay this year. The Frenchman has lost seven out of his last ten matches and is seeking to regain his form as Roland-Garros approaches. Arnaldi can match Gaston’s variety and has the tools to control the game. This should be a straightforward win for the Italian in their first meeting.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 2
Zizou Bergs vs Marton Fuscovics
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Zizou Bergs aims for a run similar to his recent quarter-final effort in Munich to break into the top 50 and achieve a new personal best ranking. The Belgian will face off against Martin Fucsovics in Geneva. The Hungarian failed to make a significant impact after the qualifying rounds in Madrid and Rome despite reaching the semi-finals in Bucharest. Fuscovics, who has dropped out of the top 100, will find Bergs’ energy and agility overwhelming in what will be their first meeting.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Quentin Halys vs Jaume Munar
Head–to–Head: Halys 1 vs 0 Munar
When they face off in Geneva, Jaume Munar will look to capitalize on Quentin Halys’ inactivity on clay. The Spaniard comes into the match following a round of 16 performance in Rome, while the Frenchman has struggled, losing four out of five matches on the dirt this year.
Halys did secure victory in their only prior meeting in the qualifying rounds in Vienna last year and has a more powerful overall game. However, on his day, Munar can be a formidable opponent, and given his superior experience on this surface and his impressive run in Rome, he will be optimistic about his chances.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
