Stefanos Tsitsipas will attempt to bounce back from a poor performance at the Italian Open when he competes at the ATP 250 in Geneva. The 2021 French Open runner-up faces an interesting opening match against the huge-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Two other contests are also predicted in this article. The rest of the action, including Stan Wawrinka vs Raul Branaccio, is covered separately.
ATP Geneva Day 2 Predictions
Arthur Rinderknech vs Thiago Agustin Tirante
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tirante has enjoyed a very solid clay-court swing, reaching the semifinals in Houston and the Round of 16 in Rome. Rinderknech’s results, while not terrible, have been less impressive. The Frenchman will likely try to attack with his superior backhand whenever possible in this matchup. However, I think Tirante’s better forehand and the momentum from his recent results are likely to give him the edge over three sets.
Prediction: Tirante in 3
Lorenzo Sonego vs Edas Butvilas
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a very decent draw for Sonego, but the circumstances surrounding him mean Butvilas may also view it that way. The Italian returned from nearly three months out during the clay-court swing and has been far below his best since making a comeback. Nonetheless, Butvilas is probably slightly below the level required to take advantage of that. The Lithuanian possesses talent, but middling recent results on the Challenger Tour do not create overwhelming confidence in his chances here.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-head: First meeting
By Tsitsipas’s historical standards, his clay-court season so far has been disastrous, failing to win a match in three tournaments and not reaching a quarterfinal. Drawing a man who missed the opening few weeks of the swing until the Italian Open seems quite favorable. Yet, Mpetshi Perricard’s style means few players enjoy facing him. One bad game in each set can be fatal against the Frenchman, and that probably does not suit Tsitsipas right now because of how unfocused he seems. Another damaging defeat could be on the cards for him.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
