Although the narrative on day one at the Laver Cup was understandably dominated by Roger Federer, there was no shortage of entertaining tennis. Team Europe dominated the first session, but Team World struck back in the evening to leave the tie finely poised at 2-2. We here at LWOT are offering our previews and predictions for every match on day two, including Novak Djokovic vs Frances Tiafoe, but will either side be able to take a decisive lead heading into day three?
Laver Cup Day 2 Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: Berrettini 3-1 Auger-Aliassime
It’s a reflection of Team Europe’s strength in-depth that even without Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who will take no further part in the event, they are able to call upon alternates of Matteo Berrettini and Cameron Norrie’s quality. Still, this should be a tough match for the Italian. Berrettini is one of the biggest hitters on tour, but his backhand remains a weakness and it has been a disappointing season, albeit largely due to a succession of injuries in the first half of the year.
That said, the slow conditions in London may well favour him. That may seem counter-intuitive, but the biggest hitters are often at their best on slow hard courts. It gives them plenty of time to wind up their big shots and Berrettini has plenty of them. Felix Auger-Aliassime has power of his own and he is a fine athlete, but if he cannot find a way to take time away from the Italian, this could be a difficult afternoon. Berrettini’s ability at the net should also serve Team Europe very well.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
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Cameron Norrie vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: Norrie 6-5 Fritz
Norrie and Taylor Fritz have been quietly building a very competitive rivalry. This will be the 12th meeting between the pair in the professional ranks with Norrie narrowly leading their head-to-head with six wins to the American’s five. He may struggle to extend that advantage, however. Fritz is not exactly in sparkling form, but he should enjoy the slow conditions at the O2 Arena which will give him plenty of time to unleash powerful groundstrokes.
That said, he will need to be patient, with Norrie one of the best movers on the tour. The Briton doesn’t have the power to compete with Fritz, but the combination of his topspin heavy forehand and flat backhand can be difficult to contend, especially for right-handers. That certainly proved to be the case at the Davis Cup earlier this month, where he edged out Fritz in three hard-fought sets in similar conditions in Glasgow. But if Fritz can find the right times to pull the trigger, expect him to edge out Norrie.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
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