Eight matches are scheduled on Day 2 of the 250 ATP Stuttgart, as former champion Frances Tiafoe gets his grass-court campaign underway against home favorite Daniel Altmaier. As always, we at LWOT offer our preview and prediction of every match on the slate. But who will progress?
ATP Stuttgart Day 2 Predictions
Rinky Hijikata vs Tom Gentzsch
Head-to-head: first meeting
Hijikata played at the Birmingham Challenger last week, and he scored fine wins against Jacob Fearnley and Mackenzie McDonald. The Australian has been a steady performer on faster surfaces throughout his career. Tom Gentzsch has reached two Challenger finals this season, and the 22-year-old has deservedly earned a wild card in his home tournament. But even with the benefit of local support, Gentzsch is unlikely to hit through the Australian.
Prediction: Hijikata in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Alexis Galarneau
Head-to-head: first meeting
Galarneau had a successful qualifying weekend at ATP Stuttgart, beating Roman Safiullin in three sets to reach the main draw. It will be his first at the Tour level. Jan-Lennard Struff brings over a decade of experience at this level, and the German was a point away from bagging the title in Stuttgart three years ago. And despite his underwhelming season in 2026, Struff remains the favorite here. He can keep most sets firmly on his racket because his game carries the most weight on grass.
Prediction: Struff in 2
Yannick Hanfmann vs Aleksandar Kovacevic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Despite possessing one of the biggest serves on tour, Yannick Hanfmann has often struggled on grass. A bigger serve doesn’t automatically translate to instant success on this surface. The German is prone to drift into neutral rallies, and his heavy forehand with a lot of topspin can be a liability. After a long week in Hamburg, Kovacevic ran out of gas in a one-sided defeat to Raael Jodar at the French Open. The American should be well-rested, though, and is comfortable taking the ball early. That should be decisive in swinging this match in his favor.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 3-0 Altmaier
Tiafoe is a former Stuttgart champion and was a quarterfinalist in his last appearance two years ago. Last year, he won one match on grass. Although he has not been a traditional grass-court specialist, Tiafoe’s excellent athleticism and ability to improvise make him tough to beat on this surface. Altmaier, by contrast, prefers more time on the ball in constructing points. Quicker conditions should favor the more aggressive Tiafoe.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
