The group stage continues on Day 2 of the Nitto ATP Finals with another packed day of round-robin action. Following Day 1’s opening matches, Day 2 shifts focus to the remaining players in each group. Home favourite and defending champion Jannik Sinner starts against Felix Auger-Aliassime, while last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz takes on debutant Lorenzo Musetti. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both matches, but who will win?
ATP Finals Day 2 Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-Head: Fritz 2-3 Musetti
Taylor Fritz has a great record in his two appearances at the ATP Finals, and he will be looking to go all the way this time and win the title. The American has never lost his opening match here, but faces a tricky opponent in Lorenzo Musetti, who is playing because Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament. Musetti had a gruelling week in Athens and must be fatigued from putting in so much physical and mental work, particularly in the semifinals and final.
Fritz has not beaten the Italian player in the last three encounters, but this is a great chance for him to get a win and even the head-to-head. The quicker conditions will also make life harder for Musetti to defend and work his magic. The crowd will help Musetti, but I don’t think that would be enough.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-Head: Sinner 3-2 Auger-Aliassime
Jannik Sinner starts his title defense at the night session, where the crowd will be roaring for him and give him extra energy to play at his best. Sinner has proven that he thrives under pressure, and it will be interesting to see who can push him the most this week. He is on a 26-match win streak on indoor hard courts and has won his last three matches against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who had to wait till the end to qualify.
This is the best surface for the Canadian as well, and he showed in the Paris Masters final that he can stay with the Italian. However, despite his best efforts in the final, he did not win a set. Sinner has improved his serve numbers since the US Open, and I can’t see him getting into much trouble if he keeps his first-serve percentage above 60.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
