There are lots of interesting matches scheduled on Day 2 of the Millennium ATP Estoril Open. Still, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka‘s match will be the highlight of the day, as this could potentially be his last tour-level match on clay. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance?
ATP Estoril Day 2 Predictions
Gonzalo Bueno vs Tiago Pereira
Head-to-Head: first meeting
This is a huge match for both these players as they are making their tour-level debut. Gonzalo Bueno has come through qualifying while Tiago Pereira received a main-draw wild card. Bueno has more experience than Pereira and is also ranked much higher. Bueno defeated Nuno Borges last year at the Davis Cup, and the exposure of playing such matches gives him the edge here.
Prediction: Bueno in 2
Jesper de Jong vs Jan Choinski
Head-to-Head: De Jong 0-1 Choinski
Jesper de Jong couldn’t defend his finalist point in Bastad last week after losing early, but he has been in great form on clay and will be a tough player to beat this week. Jan Choinski won the Braunschweig challenger earlier this month and has a winning record against De Jong. However, De Jong is much more experienced at this level, and Choinski has struggled at the ATP level so far in his career. This should be a close match, but De Jong is my pick to advance.
Prediction: De Jong in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Vilius Gaubas
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Former Estoril Open champion and multiple-time semifinalist Pablo Carreno Busta will be looking to display some good tennis this week and at least reach the quarterfinals. Clay is not his best surface, but he has always played well here and has a winnable first-round match. Vilius Gaubas is a promising youngster but has not had a good season and is lacking consistency. Carreno Busta’s poise and consistency should help him prevail in this match.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Roman Andres Burruchaga
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Stan Wawrinka has had immense success on clay in his career, winning the 2015 French Open and also reaching another final in 2017. He is making his debut at the Estoril Open, which will also be his final ATP tournament on this surface. Wawrinka was competitive last week in Gstaad against Jaime Faria but came up just short. Roman Andres Burruchaga made the semifinals in Umag last week and has the legs and form to get the win. However, I expect Wawrinka to give his all and steal a set.
Prediction: Burruchaga in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
