Just before tennis turns its attention to the extensive North American hard-court swing, players will be in action across Europe this week at various clay-court events. This article will focus on the matches taking place in Umag, for which we at LWOT will, as always, be offering our predictions for every match. But who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Umag Day 2 Predictions
Ziga Sesko vs Daniel Merida Aguilar
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ziga Sesko is still primarily a junior player, having recently won the Wimbledon boys’ doubles title. Receiving a wildcard in Umag should provide a valuable learning experience for the Slovenian, but it is unlikely he will be able to challenge Daniel Merida Aguilar’s baseline game, which is built around physically wearing down his opponents.
Prediction: Merida Aguilar in 2
Marco Cecchinato vs Roman Andres Burruchaga
Head-to-head: First meeting
Marco Cecchinato famously shocked the tennis world in 2018 when he defeated Novak Djokovic at the French Open. Now, the Italian plays most of his tennis on the Challenger Tour and is far removed from his peak level. Against Roman Andres Burruchaga, this will be a battle between two traditional clay-courters, and while Cecchinato possesses more firepower, I think the Argentine’s consistency from the back of the court will earn him the victory.
Prediction: Burruchaga in 3
Alexander Blockx vs Titouan Droguet
Head-to-head: First meeting
Although this is their first meeting at ATP Tour level, these two players have faced each other once before, where Alexander Blockx’s serving advantage proved too much for Titouan Droguet to overcome. On the slower clay, Droguet can make this a more competitive contest, as he plays his best tennis on slower surfaces where he has time to implement his baseline game. While that should make life difficult for Blockx, the Belgian should still come through on the strength of his superior weapons.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Fabian Marozsan vs Juan Carlos Prado Angelo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Juan Carlos Prado Angelo showed a high level during qualifying, winning both of his matches on the back of his traditional clay-court game. While the Bolivian possesses a forehand capable of doing damage on this surface, Fabian Marozsan represents a significant step up in competition. Expect the Hungarian to use his court craft and variety to secure a straightforward victory.
Prediction: Marozsan in 2
Main Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
