The last five second-round matches will be played on day four at the ATP Rotterdam on Thursday. Apart from the favourites making it safely past the openers, the second round will also feature those whose results were more along the lines of ‘survival of the fittest.’ But who will make it safely through to the quarterfinals?
Daniil Medvedev vs Fernando Verdasco
Sofia champion Medvedev had no problems in getting past Jeremy Chardy in the first round but things may be different against Verdasco. The Spaniard’s unpredictability and inconsistency have led to accusations that he is his own biggest opponent. And where Medvedev has gone from strength-to-strength this season, Verdasco threw away a two-set lead and a match point against Marin Cilic at the Australian Open.
The two have met twice previously and have scored one win apiece, with Verdasco taking their most recent match on the grass in s-Hertogenbosch last season. But in Rotterdam, expect the in-form Medvedev to continue his fine run with another victory.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Tallon Griekspoor
Tsonga is riding a six-match winning streak after his title run in Montpellier last week. At times the former-world #5 played some inspired tennis, whilst also showing admirable grit and determination at others. Griekspoor, a Dutch wildcard upset the second seed and world #11 Karen Khachanov in the opening round in what was one of the biggest wins of his career.
This will be the first match between the two players, with Griekspoor playing the majority of his tennis at Challenger-level. Tsonga, in contrast, has long been a mainstay on the ATP Tour despite recent struggles with injury. This match has plenty to offer to the viewers with the more experienced Tsonga the heavy favourite ahead of the match. Expect his combination of power and finesse to prove too much for Griekspoor.
Prediction: Tsonga in 2
Kei Nishikori vs Ernests Gulbis
The top-seeded Nishikori leads his head-to-head 2-0 against Gulbis. Yet, the Latvian, once a semifinalist at the French Open, remains a serious threat and Nishikori will be wary of that. Even more so now with Gulbis having played some fine tennis so far this year. He had to come through the qualifiers to reach the main draw at the ATP Rotterdam but demolished Marius Copil for the loss of just six games in the first round.
Meanwhile, Nishikori’s performance against Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round has done little to boost confidence about his chances in Rotterdam. The world #7 did see Karen Khachanov and Stefanos Tsitsipas – who were seeded second and third respectively – lose in the opening round, but he may well be in danger of joining them. Expect Gulbis to claim a big win and reach his second tour-level quarterfinal of 2019.
Prediction: Gulbis in 3
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