The last Masters 1000 of the year is about to kick off at ATP Paris, and even the qualifying rounds are packing a punch as some of the players within the top 40 through 100 look to boost their rankings before the end of the season. Who will come out victorious and punch their way into the main draw? We cover a second set of predictions in a separate article.
ATP Paris Qualifications Day 2 Predictions
Lorenzo Sonego vs Roberto Carbelles Baena
Head-to-Head: Carbelles Baeba 3:2 Sonego
Roberto Carbelles Baena has had a change of fortunes on the court in recent months, winning a few clay court titles on the challenger circuit. He managed to translate some of that form to hard courts in Asia but has struggled a bit since landing in Europe. Both players are usually more comfortable on clay, but in their current form, the Spaniard holds a slight edge over his Italian rival.
Prediction: Carbelles Baeba in 3
Arthur Cazaux vs Fabio Fognini
Head-to-Head: First Meeting
Arthur Cazaux extended his stay in Asia, competing in challenger events, and was rewarded for his efforts with a final in Shenzhen 2. He seeks his maiden main draw appearance at his home Masters 1000 tournament. The young French man has had a breakout season, making it to the fourth round of the Australian Open, defeating two top 10 players in the process. Fabio Fognini can be hard to predict at times as he can pull off unexpected wins and run cold in his next match. He has all the tools to make this into an interesting match but it is difficult to tell what version of the Italian will show up. Cazaux should get a boost from playing at home, and the extra motivation to make his debut at this tournament should see him over the line.
Prediction: Cazaux in 2
Corentin Moutet vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-Head: First Meeting
Jakub Mensik was a few games away from crashing out of the qualifying rounds here at ATP Paris after dropping the second set and going a break-down in the third set against Dusan Lajovic in the first round. The fatigue from the busy few weeks the young Czech has accumulated in recent weeks is sure to catch up with him eventually, and the signs are already showing. The extra day of rest that comes with a two-week Masters should come as a relief to Mensik, but first, he needs a win to secure his berth. He should have more than enough in the tank to get past Moutet, who has been in indifferent form in recent months.
Prediction: Mensik in 2
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/Desert Sun/USAToday Network
