All eight remaining first-round matches will be played on Tuesday, Day 2 of the 2023 ATP Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech. Maxime Cressy takes on Roberto Carballes Baena in one of the rare occasions when we get to see a true serve-and-volleyer on the dirt. Who do you think will prevail? We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Marrakech Day 2 Predictions
Alexandre Muller vs Richard Gasquet
Head-to-head: Muller 1-0
Alexandre Muller isn’t the flashiest tennis player out there, but the Frenchman surely is consistent and even finds himself not that far off the Top 100. Richard Gasquet is a very tough competitor to predict right now as at this stage of his career, it seems to be very random whether he has a good or a bad day at the office. Muller defeated him pretty comfortably in Aix-en-Provence last year (6-2 6-4). No reason why he can’t win again, but Gasquet’s upside is still stronger. Basically a coin toss.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Dimitar Kuzmanov vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: First meeting
Dimitar Kuzmanov hasn’t had a spectacular result this year yet, but it isn’t that impossible for him to take this one. Federico Coria was in great shape in South America, winning a Challenger in Concepcion and then finishing runner-up in an ATP Tour event for the second time in his career. Kuzmanov is always tricky to beat with his grinding playstyle and we’ll see how much momentum Coria lost during the Sunshine Double. He’s still likely going to win this, but don’t be surprised if the Bulgarian causes some issues.
Prediction: Coria in 2
Nicolas Jarry vs Andrea Vavassori
Head-to-head: Vavassori 1-0
Nicolas Jarry took a month off after winning a very emotional second ATP title at home in Santiago. Is he going to instantly produce his best level again? That’s something that remains to be seen. Given how he’s played during the Golden Swing, he needs to be perceived as the favorite against Andrea Vavassori, though. The Italian took him down in Bergamo last year, but it was on indoor hard and in a couple of tie-breakers.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Maxime Cressy vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: First meeting
Maxime Cressy and clay is usually not a great combination, but the American can grab wins on it. Moreso than in other conditions, it will be important for him to find a way to be aggressive on return, because his own delivery will be neutralized a bit and likely not produce as many smooth holds as usual. Roberto Carballes Baena really improved his first serve down the T recently and if he’ll be landing that well, he should have an edge on Cressy on the dirt.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
