The ATP Hong Kong Open returns for the second consecutive year after a 21-year hiatus. Four matches are on the cards on Monday in what promises to be a thrilling day of tennis. We at LWOT offer predictions on who will advance to the next round.
ATP Hong Kong Day 1 Predictions Including Lorenzo Sonego vs Brandon Nakashima
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Luciano Darderi
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Luciano Darderi’s profile rose at the beginning of last season after he won his maiden ATP title in Cordoba. Still, his performance declined as the season ended, winning just once in his final 11 matches.
However, he still finished in the Top 50 and earned a seeded spot here in Hong Kong. This will be his first encounter against Kecmanovic, whose final match of last season was a crushing defeat to Christopher O’Connell in front of his home fans at the ATP Belgrade event.
That being said, the Serb is the better and more experienced player, and if he clicks into gear, it’s his match to lose.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Roman Safiullin vs Fabian Marozsan
Head–to–Head: Safiullin 0 – 1 Marozsan
The first meeting between these talented two ultimately depends on who wants this more. The Russian finished last season by winning the Challenger title in Bratislava and will come into this encounter against his younger opponent.
Fabian Marozsan showed glimpses of what he was capable of last season with some solid wins, including a defeat of Safiullin, albeit on grass in Halle. I will back the Hungarian to edge this comfortably.
Prediction: Marozsan in 2
Cameron Norrie vs Learner Tien
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Cameron Norrie’s injury-ravaged season ended with a solid run to the final in Metz, where he lost to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi. It remains to be seen the form he is in, but the rising star Learner Tien, who was a finalist at the year-ending NextGen event, will take advantage of any slip.
Tipping the American to make this year his breakthrough season will begin with an upset of Norrie.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Lorenzo Sonego vs Brandon Nakashima
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Brandon Nakashima has proven his mettle over the last couple of years that he can beat anyone, especially on outdoor hard courts. He is rightly favoured and expected to overcome this unscathed against an often unreliable Lorenzo Sonego. Give me the American to win their first meeting dominantly.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
