Day 2 of the Metz Open in France features former world #1 and three time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray. Can the Brit turn around a poor result last week or is that a sign of worse things to come? We predict all of Tuesday’s matches, split between this and a separate article.
ATP Metz Open Day 2 Predictions
Alexandre Muller vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: 0-0
Things looked so promising just six or so weeks ago when the Russian made the Olympic final. Since then it’s all gone pear shaped for the big hitter, with just three wins in his last three events. Luckily for him he plays a qualifier ranked outside the top 200. Indoor hard is where Khachanov won the biggest title of his career (Paris Masters 2018) so we all know when he’s firing on a court like this he is world class.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Gilles Simon
Head-to-head: 0-0
The Spaniard has lost his last four matches on tour whilst the Frenchman had 12 losses in a row earlier this year. Who wins this? Well you might as well flip a coin. It’s sad to see former top 10 player Simon play so poorly at the twilight of his career, and regardless of the 21-year-old’s recent form, it’s hard to see the older man getting another win at home.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Holger Rune vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-head: 0-0
It feels like ages ago Popyrin won his maiden ATP Tour title in Singapore earlier this year, mainly because he honestly hasn’t done anything significant since. But here’s the thing–indoor hard is what Singapore was played on. On the other hand Rune is still only 18 and is having an amazing year, qualifying for yet another tour event. Unfortunately, after two hard fought qualifying matches I think the think the tank will be somewhat empty for the teenager who has a very bright future.
Prediction: Popyrin in 3
Andy Murray vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Murray 1-0
In New York, Andy Murray arguably put in his best performance in years, despite losing in five tight sets to World #3 Stefanos Tsitsipas. After that last week he lost 6-1 in the third to a player ranked outside the top 150 in a Challenger event. I think it’s fair to say as good as Humbert is, even ranked #113 in the world this is more in the Scot’s hands than his own. I believe last week’s performance was a one off the the US Open was a sign of good things to come from the former world #1.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
