It’s a jam packed day 2 at the ATP Halle Open 2021 with eleven round of 32 matches scheduled. Top seed Daniil Medvedev is in action as the world no. 2 begins his grass court campaign. We also predict other top seeds in actions, including Alexander Zverev vs Dominik Koepfer and Karen Khachanov vs Andrey Rublev.
ATP Halle Open Day 2 Predictions
Lucas Lacko vs Guido Pella
Head to head – First Meeting
Guido Pella had a stellar tournament last Wimbledon as the Argentine captivated many with his inspired tennis. This year however, Pella is 3-10 in main draw matches which suggests he’s had no momentum whatsoever. His first round opponent, Lucas Lacko was in terrible form himself before Halle. The Slovak last won a man including challengers and qualifying in early March. Hence a main draw appearance after coming through qualifying will feel extremely good for Lacko. Expect lots of momentum shifts as neither player will be able to run away with the match. Pella should just edge this one.
Prediction: Pella in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Sam Querrey
Head to head – First Meeting
This one is extremely tight to call. Both players lost to Felix-Auger Aliassime last week in Stuttgart in an interesting coincidence. Ugo Humbert played a lot of tiebreakers for three matches in Stuttgart and the Frenchman should expect nothing else against the big serving Sam Querrey. The American is well suited for grass courts and would be looking to dictate points with his serve once again. Expect tiebreakers galore in a fascinating contest with Querrey eking past.
Prediction: Querrey in 3
Ricardas Berankis vs Kei Nishikori
Head to head – Nishikori 1-0 Berankis
These two resume their rivalry after having last played each other in 2012. Kei Nishikori’s game has yielded him impressive results in Wimbledon as the Japanese loves to take the ball early and is as good a baseliner as any. A strong start here would do him wonders which is entirely possible against an opponent in Ricardas Berankis whose general rally ball is not powerful enough to hit through Nishikori. Expect Nishikori to progress ahead.
Prediction: Nishikori in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head to head – Medvedev 3-0 Struff
The top seed Daniil Medvedev will have to get his game firing from the get go here. Jan-Lennard Struff had an impressive French Open and the tall German can be dangerous on faster courts. Medvedev too carries confidence from the recently concluded French Open and the Russian should feel better about his chances here. Expect a good match throughout with Medvedev making a slow start only to recover well and take control of the match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
