Friday at the 2020 ATP Antalya Open will feature the remaining ten first-round matches. The top seeds come into play in what will surely be a very entertaining day of tennis. Who do you think will prevail? We predict all ten matches, split between two articles.
ATP Antalya Day 2 Predictions
Alex Molcan vs Hugo Grenier
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alex Molcan’s qualifying campaign ended in an extremely tight match against Blaz Kavcic and the Slovakian pulled off a very impressive fightback from 2-5 in the third set to secure a main draw spot. What are his chances against France’s Hugo Grenier? Higher ranked than his opponent, Grenier is also more accomplished, showing up more often than Molcan on the ATP Challenger Tour. While having two matches in the bag will definitely help Molcan, Grenier’s superior experience and tennis talent should get him through.
Prediction: Grenier in 3
Adrian Andreev vs Marsel Ilhan
Head-to-head: First meeting
This qualifier vs wildcard game presents a great opportunity to whoever can take this. Adrian Andreev has been playing extremely well since the pandemic break, first announcing himself with a great win/loss record in exhibitions on Florida, and then going on to be a great force on the ITF circuit. The Bulgarian is developing rapidly and doesn’t miss, keeping the ball in play extremely well. It’s been a few years since Marsel Ilhan was a top 100 player and the Turk now competes a lot less regularly. The last time we’ve seen him, his fitness was also in doubt.
Prediction: Andreev in 2
Laslo Djere vs Dimitar Kuzmanov
Head-to-head: Djere 1-0
Kuzmanov shouldn’t be without a chance in this match, having for example played Salvatore Caruso quite close at Sofia in November. The Bulgarian is playing the best tennis of his life and if he was to defeat Djere here, it could hardly be considered a surprise. There is a huge “but” coming though, as Kuzmanov had to fight for almost 3,5 hours today to defeat Andrea Pellegrino in their final round of qualifying match. This makes the outside chance look a lot more outside.
Prediction: Djere in 3
Pavel Kotov vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-head: First meeting
While Pavel Kotov won all his sets in qualifying six games to two, he also had the easiest draw of all the ones who came through. This is going to be a huge step up in competition and something that the Russian probably won’t be ready for. Jan-Lennard Struff had a bit topsy turvy finish to the 2020 season but his big game should work quite well on these courts. His linear power-hitting and great net play should make this a nightmare for Kotov.
Prediction: Struff in 2
Fabio Fognini vs Michael Vrbensky
Head-to-head: First meeting
As usual, we know nothing about Fabio Fognini’s disposition or which “version” of the Italian will show up. Michael Vrbensky is a considerable young talent, who might do some damage in the game at some point. But even after a successful qualifying campaign, he still has no experience at that level and while you have to start somewhere, even playing at 70% Fognini will be a huge mountain to climb. If the Italian’s away mentally, it could get interesting. He should still claim it most of the time though.
Prediction: Fognini in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
Disagree with our ATP Antalya Day 2 Predictions? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
