Day 2 at the ATP event in Astana will feature an insanely stacked schedule, including recent US Open champion and world #1 Carlos Alcaraz, who’ll make his debut Tuesday. The draw is almost as strong as a Masters 1000 draw and it should provide a very exciting week of tennis.
ATP Astana Day 2 Predictions
Maxime Cressy vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: first meeting
This will be Khachanov’s first match since his maiden Slam semifinal at the US Open. As disappointingly as it ended, with a loss to Casper Ruud in a match that he surely believed he could win, it was still the best Slam result of his career and will give him some confidence going forward. On a quick hard court, Cressy is a dangerous opponent with his huge serve and abilty to play at the net, but Khachanov is definitely the stronger baseliner and more complete player and should have the slight edge here.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Alexander Shevchenko vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players came through qualifying and will be super motivated to get a their first ever win at ATP level. Both players are young and will most likely break into the top 100 at some point soon, but right now Nardi seems to have more upside and should have the edge here.
Prediction: Nardi in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Bublik 2-0 Griekspoor
Bublik is one of the most volatile and unpredictable players on tour, but you’d imagine that playing at home he’ll be particularly motivated to have a strong run. His maiden (and so far only) career title came earlier this year in Montpelier and it started with a first round win over Griekspoor. A repeat of that is unlikely given how strong the draw is here in Astana, but Bublik will surely take some encouragement from that fact.
Prediction: Bublik in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 1-0 Goffin< David Goffin has the ability to beat anyone, as shown by the fact that he has wins over all of the "Big 3" and even this year he came within match point of beat Rafael Nadal on clay, but nothing in his recent form suggests he might get it done here. In fact, he’s in the draw as a lucky loser after losing to Nardi in qualifying. Even if he has a bit of a drop in form after the high of capturing his first Slam title and the #1 ranking, Carlos Alcaraz should still have no problem getting past this first round.< Prediction: Alcaraz in 2< Main Photo from Getty.
