Day 1 of main draw play at the ATP Croatia Open in Umag features five main draw matches. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on the matches. Who do you think will win on Monday?
ATP Umag Day 1 predictions
Daniel Elahi Galan vs Fabio Fognini
Head-to-head: first meeting
With age, Fabio Fognini’s performance, besides the ranking, has dropped quite a bit. Add to the fact that, Daniel Elahi Galan has started giving some consistent results too. But at the end, I think all that can only deter Fognini, and not stop him from moving to the next round.
Prediction: Fognini in 3
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Henri Laaksonen
Head-to-head: Carballes Baena 2 -3 Laaksonen
Roberto Carballes Baena, though impressive on clay Challengers before, didn’t impress at the Gstaad Open. Henri Laaksonen on the other hand, failed to qualify for two straight ATP main draws. Carballes Baena is the better player in this match, but considering these two players’ history, might be a close encounter.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Pedro Cachin vs Giulio Zeppieri
Head-to-head: first meeting
The last two months have been highly successful for Pedro Cachin. He reached four challenger finals, winning two titles. On the other side of the net, we have Giulio Zeppieri, who has reached the main draw after crossing a tough qualifying draw, which got him 5 hours on court before the main draw even started. Cachin should be able to see him off pretty easily, as this is the level he is used to in the challenger circuit.
Prediction: Cachin in 2
Mili Poljicak vs Marco Cecchinato
Head-to-head: first meeting
Marco Cecchinato’s recent performances on clay have been impressive. And though the trophy cabinet is not very dense, Cecchinato has managed to give a decent showing wherever he plays. On the other side, there stands none other than the Wimbledon Boys’ champion, Mili Poljicak. Playing a tour match in front of his home crowd is going to overwhelming, no doubt. All said and done, he is about to find out how it’s like at the top level.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 3
Jaume Munar vs Mikael Ymer
Head-to-head: Munar 1 – 0 Ymer
Munar has playing very well on clay in the past few months. The consistency in his performances defies that of Ymer, who can’t seem to be able to win two straight matches. And it’s a Spaniard on clay, what can I say. Munar should be able to seal the win rather comfortably.
Prediction: Munar in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
