Our predictions of Day 2 of the ATP 250 in in Marseilles continue with a crucial match between veteran Andy Murray and rising youngster Tomas Machac. Two other Frenchmen take on seasoned opponents, but who will make it through? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Marseilles Day 2 Predictions
Hugo Gaston vs Denis Shapovalov
Head–to–Head: Gaston 0 vs 1 Shapovalov
Denis Shapovalov’s only win this year was against Hugo Gaston and he won it convincingly in straight sets. The Frenchman secured an impressive comeback win over his big-serving compatriot Pierre-Hughes Herbert in the first round and will be looking to get even with the Canadian.
This match will not be short of motivation as two left-handed players slug it out in what will be an entertaining one. Shapovalov rightly starts as the favorite as he’s looked more assured in recent weeks and I’ll back him to defeat Gaston in a closely fought encounter.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Sebastian Korda vs Hugo Grenier
Head–to–Head: Korda 0 vs 1 Grenier
Hugo Grenier has started this season brilliantly winning six of the eight matches he’s played this year, including a debut win in the main draw of the Australian Open, against Alexandre Muller. He’s also been superb in the qualifiers and there’s no reason he cannot challenge Korda for a place in the next round.
The Frenchman is ahead in their head-to-head after he defeated the American in Madrid last year but this is a different ballgame altogether. Korda should come out all guns blazing to wrap this up quickly.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Tomas Machac vs Andy Murray
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Andy Murray’s sole participation in this competition ended with a title win in 2008 and he’ll be hoping to go all the way again after a 15-year absence in his bid to correct his dreadful start to the season. He hasn’t won a competitive match this year and was bundled out of Melbourne in the first round by Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Tomac Machac must be confident of pulling off the upset as he has performed considerably well on this surface. He won two Challenger titles in France last year and made it to the third round in Melbourne before being ousted in a close match by Karen Khachanov.
Murray must find a way to secure a win to boost his confidence and morale. The bells are ringing that this could be his last season on tour and the Czech youngster will not do him any favors as he continues his progress in the sport.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
