Holger Rune against Milos Raonic is such a fascinating opening-round clash on Day 1 of the ATP Masters in Montreal. The Canadian made the final at this event eleven years ago and despite numerous injuries, remains a formidable foe when the huge serve is firing. Rune really needs a run right now and ideally would hope to avoid tricky draws like that. Who do you think will come out on top? We also predict the rest of Tuesday’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Montreal Day 1 Predictions
Nuno Borges vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0
Let’s see how Nuno Borges reacts to that title run he had in Bastad, which besides the final didn’t really see him facing any top-level opposition. The Portuguese followed it up with a disappointing performance at the Olympic Games as he didn’t even come close to Mariano Navone. It’s likely that this huge success won’t really change that much in how Borges is holding up on the main tour week in, week out. And in that case Miomir Kecmanovic is the favorite to beat him again.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
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Lorenzo Sonego vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Sonego 1-0
Lorenzo Sonego beat Tallon Griekspoor in the qualifying for another ATP 1000 event two years ago. That match was extremely tight and it should be fun to see them clashing again after almost two full seasons. Who is the favorite right now? Maybe Griekspoor as he’s been playing at a higher level overall most of 2024. There’s also not that much that Sonego does better than him and the Dutchman’s serve and forehand are heavier weapons. It’s very close to a coin flip though.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Gabriel Diallo vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gabriel Diallo wasn’t even broken as he won the Chicago Challenger two weeks ago and he remains a big hope for Canadian tennis. Last time he played in Montreal, he upset James Duckworth which was a bit of a shocker at the time. Now he’s in the main draw and gets an experienced opponent who’s currently out of form. Karen Khachanov looked completely lost while losing to Seong-chan Hong in Washington last week and maybe this could be an opportunity for Diallo to post a huge win.
Prediction: Diallo in 3
Holger Rune vs Milos Raonic
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a clash we were promised in Indian Wells in March, but Milos Raonic had to pull out with an injury. The Canadian is still barely healthy enough to compete and even had to miss Wimbledon. He was back at the Olympics though and managed to take Dominik Koepfer to three tie-breaks on his worst surface. That’s not too shabby and if he can bring that intensity to one of his favorite events on tour, Holger Rune might find himself in real trouble considering the kind of nightmare opening draw Raonic still is.
Prediction: Raonic in 3
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Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
