There was much excellent tennis played on the first day of the ATP Stockholm Open. The schedule for day 2 is even more exciting, with six matches scheduled. Four-time ATP title winner Sebastian Baez’s contest is one of three predicted in this article. We at LWOT also have an article predicting the other three matches on the second day in Stockholm- including Sebastian Wawrinka vs Borna Gojo.
ATP Stockholm Day 2 Predictions
Christopher Eubanks vs Pavel Kotov
Head-to-head: First meeting
It has mostly been a struggle for Eubanks since his memorable run at Wimbledon in July. Maintaining that level was never realistic but his lack of wins since is something the American will want to address. He has a good chance of doing that here. The indoor courts at the ATP Stockholm Open should suit the big-hitting style of Eubanks. In addition, Kotov has not been in particularly good form recently either. The 24-year-old did reach a career-high ranking back in July but has since slipped back outside the Top 200. Eubanks’ level can fluctuate wildly during the course of a match. Nonetheless, expect him to get a victory in this suitable matchup at the ATP Stockholm Open.
Prediction: Eubanks in 2
Laslo Djere vs Leo Borg
Head-to-head: First meeting
Djere created headlines at the US Open by taking compatriot Novak Djokovic to five sets. However, he has lost both his matches since Flushing Meadows, although one was due to retiring with an injury. It would be a major shock if the Serbian lost in the first-round for the third time in a row. Borg is currently ranked outside the Top 300 and has been given a wildcard for his home tournament. Djere used to be known just as a clay-court specialist. A shock may have been possible if that was still the case but Djere has improved immensely on hardcourts in the last 18 months. Expect him to manage Borg and the home crowd to progress at the ATP Stockholm Open.
Prediction: Djere in 2
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Sebastian Baez vs JJ Wolf
Head-to-head: First meeting
Baez’s improvement on hardcourts has been one of the most surprising developments of the season. The Argentinian was known as a pure clay court specialist but changed those perceptions with a run to the title in Winston-Salem in August and then a third round appearance at the US Open. Yet Wolf gets the edge for this one. The American has been playing really well lately and had a run to the last 16 at the Shanghai Masters. Baez did also show some of his old frailties on hardcourts with a first-round loss to Jurij Rodionov in Astana. The relatively fast conditions in Stockholm naturally suit Wolf’s game more of the two players. The 22-year-old Argentine is likely to feel rushed by the flat groundstrokes of Wolf if he can find his range consistently enough. I think he will do it to progress at the ATP Stockholm Open.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
