There is a busy schedule of ATP Washington action on Day 2. 2022 US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe is among the players getting their campaigns underway. We at LWOT predict all the matches taking place here and in separate articles, including Denis Shapovalov vs. Adrian Mannarino. But which players do you think will win?
ATP Washington Day 2 Predictions
Luca Nardi vs Mitchell Krueger
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nardi cannot avoid complacency here. Although his ranking is far superior to Krueger’s, the American dismantled a couple of seeded players in qualifying to reach this stage. Nardi is also prone to inconsistency, which will give Krueger additional hope. Yet, those factors do not change the reality that the Italian is a better player than Krueger. Expect Nardi’s forehand to dictate proceedings enough times to win, even if he is below his best.
Prediction: Nardi in 2
Luca Van Assche vs Arthur Cazaux
Head-to-head: Van Assche 1-0 Cazaux
These two talented Frenchmen have different styles. Van Assche bases his game more on consistency and athleticism than Cazaux, who has an ultra-aggressive brand of tennis. I like Cazaux’s chances of beating his compatriot in the fast Washington conditions. 20-year-old Van Assche will undoubtedly keep improving and become a star. However, fast, hard courts do not suit him well at this stage of his young career.
Prediction: Cazaux in 2
Shang Juncheng vs Elias Ymer
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ymer has spent a considerable period mostly scrapping at the ATP Challenger level. His dedication is admirable, but his game lacks major weapons. Therefore, his chances of overcoming last week’s Atlanta Open semifinalist Shang are pretty low. The Chinese player is likely to be too solid from start to finish.
Prediction: Shang in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Predicting what will happen in this match is tough. Tiafoe’s year has been a struggle so far, while the mercurial Galan is among the most inconsistent players in men’s tennis. The home hard court season is crucial to the American, who may panic if he cannot find his best tennis in front of his home fans. Galan, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open almost two years ago, will hope to exploit those anxieties. Tiafoe possesses a more complete game and is backed to be more solid than the Colombian, but that is not predicted with certainty.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
