The ATP Marseille Open 2020 enters Day 2 with six round of 32 matches scheduled to be played. Karen Khachanov and US Open 2014 champion Marin Cilic begin their Marseille Open 2020 campaigns in a highly competitive field.
We preview and predict all six matches scheduled for Day 2 over two articles. The other set includes matches featuring Marin Cilic and home favorite Gilles Simon.
ATP Marseille Open Day 2 Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Antoine Hoang
Head to head – First Meeting (Hurkacz 1-0 Hoang in qualifying, Challenger, and Futures matches)
Hubert Hurkacz has had middling results since his stellar ATP Cup and subsequently reaching the last four in Auckland. The Pole was knocked out early in Melbourne and lost in the first round in Rotterdam. Hurkacz would no doubt be keen to get back to winning ways and fortunately for him, his first-round opponent shouldn’t trouble him too much.
Antoine Hoang would definitely have the crowd on his side but his recent results haven’t been impressive enough to suggest that he can pull off the win. Hurkacz flat groundstrokes would be lethal on the indoor courts of Marseille and expect the Pole to have an easy win.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Norbert Gombos vs Jannik Sinner
Head to head – First Meeting
Jannik Sinner has already shown the tennis world his tremendous talent last year in Milan but hasn’t quite backed it up since. His best result excluding challenger events since Milan came last week in Rotterdam and should’ve instilled some confidence in the young Italian.
Norbert Gombos has been on the tour for quite some time but hasn’t quite had the success he would’ve hoped to achieve. Sinner would be highly motivated and his aggressive gameplay from the baseline should be too much to handle for the Slovak.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Aljaz Bedene vs Karen Khachanov
Head to head – Khachanov 3-0 Bedene
This might not be as straightforward for Karen Khachanov. Aljaz Bedene looked in good touch in Rotterdam and stands a good chance in this match. Karen Khachanov failed to impress in Rotterdam and his 2020 season is yet to take off.
All their three previous meetings were three-setters and this match too looks unlikely it’ll have a victor after two sets. Bedene is capable enough from the baseline but his serve can be taken advantage of if this match goes the distance. Expect a tight clash with the Russian clinching it on the back of his heavy groundstrokes and big serving.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
