It’s always fun when qualifying Round 2/main draw Round 1 rematches happen and we’re getting one in Kitzbuhel. Daniel Elahi Galan defeated Hamad Medjedovic on Sunday at the ATP 250 in Kitzbuhel, only to learn a day later that Nuno Borges has withdrawn and he’ll be facing the Serbian again. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Kitzbuhel Day 2 Predictions
Hugo Gaston vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s a bit surprising these two haven’t faced each other yet as they tend to appear in similar events, especially on clay. Hugo Gaston has been on an upswing the last few weeks and almost took out Alexander Zverev in Hamburg. Form-wise he might be a bit ahead here, but quirky playstyles like his are generally quite unpredictable. After all, Daniel Altmaier has the touch and court coverage not to be too flustered by all the dropshots. He also doesn’t have huge power to put Gaston away and maybe that can be his downfall.
Prediction: Gaston in 3
Facundo Diaz Acosta vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: 2-2
Facundo Diaz Acosta is seeking his first win in three months as while he was on top of his game around middle of April (quarterfinals in Barcelona), he got injured not long after. The Argentinian came back at Wimbledon, but couldn’t grab much rhythm there and also lost to Hugo Gaston in Hamburg. Things likely won’t be simple here even if he won his last match with Federico Coria somewhat easily in Buenos Aires this year. Their overall matchup history has been tight and Coria is the type of player who’ll not give him an easy first win in a while.
Prediction: Coria in 3
Sebastian Ofner vs Lukas Neumayer
Head-to-head: Ofner 1-0
Sebastian Ofner is the favorite in this all-Austrian battle, but we can’t be sure how healthy he is after his retirement in Hamburg last week. He crushed Lukas Neumayer in the Salzburg final last year though, despite that event being the younger Austrian’s favorite hunting ground. The 21-year-old likes faster clay conditions and has looked very solid against Top 100 players in the past (4-4 with 2 wins on home soil). Ofner will need to deliver to prevail, this isn’t an obvious match for him.
Prediction: Ofner in 3
Hamad Medjedovic vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head-to-head: 1-1
Hamad Medjedovic’s 2024 season was supposed to be very different after he picked up the Next Gen Finals title, but the Serbian was ill in the first four months of the year and still hasn’t fully regained his footing. Events like Kitzbuhel and Gstaad are perfect for him with the faster clay conditions and he did come very close to taking a set off Stefanos Tsitsipas last week. But then he only made the main draw here as a lucky loser, going out to Daniel Elahi Galan in the qualifying. Medjedovic will be deadly again soon and should like this rematch possibility.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
