It promises to be an entertaining first day at the ATP Estoril Open as the European clay-court swing gets underway in earnest. There are four matches on the slate in Portugal and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate. But who will come out on top?
ATP Estoril Day 1 Predictions
Pedro Cachin vs Tseng Chun-Hsin
Head-to-head: Tseng 2-0 Cachin
On paper, this looks like a comfortable day at the office for Pedro Cachin. The 27-year-old is in the best spell of his career, having broken into the top 70, and is back on his preferred surface. However, he has lost both of his previous matches against Tseng, including last year in straight sets on the clay in Murcia. Cachin has not exactly been in sparkling form in recent weeks either with his tour-level record in 2023 a fairly dismal 2-9, though he did reach the quarterfinals at last week’s challenger in Girona. Still, this appears to be a matchup that the Taiwanese enjoys. Expect it to be Tseng who reaches the second round at the ATP Estoril Open.
Prediction: Tseng in 3
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Radu Albot vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: first meeting
Radu Albot’s best days are behind him now, but the 33-year-old Moldovan should not be underestimated. He has won a lot of matches at tour-level, 99 to be exact, with his technical proficiency allied to an excellent work ethic. That said, it would be a surprise to see him beat Sebastian Baez. The Argentine has had a few rocky moments so far in his fledgling career, but he clearly has plenty of talent, particularly on the clay. After a below-par 2022, he has looked more engaged so far in 2023 and, provided he plays his best tennis, he should have too much for Albot.
Prediction: Baez in 2
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Diego Schwartzman vs Marco Cecchinato
Head-to-head: Schwartzman 4-1 Cecchinato
Looking at their respective career achievements, most would probably be guess that of the two players it was Diego Schwartzman who had played in a French Open semifinal. They would, of course, be mistaken, but forgivably so given how suddenly Marco Cecchinato soared up the rankings and how quickly he fell back down them again.
The Italian has been ranked as high as world #16, but currently finds him 95th in the rankings. He will have a puncher’s chance here though. Diego Schwartzman is not the force he once was and Cecchinato has the quality to beat him. He has beaten him. But only once in five meetings and for good reason. Schwartzman might not be the player he was two or three years ago, but he is still a hard man to beat.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
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Alessandro Gianessi vs Fabio Fognini
Head-to-head: Fognini 2-0 Gianessi
It’s not entirely clear what Fabio Fognini’s motivation for staying on tour is, beyond perhaps his enjoyment of the travelling. Not even the most generous assessment of his efforts could avoid finding fault with his commitment, which is reflected in his 1-6 record so far in 2023. But the draw at the ATP Estoril Open has been kind to Fognini. Gianessi has not played a tour-level match so far this season and has lost both of his previous matches against Fognini. Which is not to say that he won’t this match. Given Fognini’s temperament that would be a very bold claim. It is, however, to say that he probably won’t.
Prediction: Fognini in 3
Main photo credit:David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
