Regardless of ranking and seedings, the story of this year’s Golden Swing is Joao Fonseca. He would have been the main narrative even if he was losing, but the Brazilian clinched his maiden ATP Tour title. With a special exempt in Rio de Janeiro, he’s taking on Alexandre Muller in the opening round. Who do you think will come out on top at ATP Rio?
ATP Rio Day 2 Predictions
Tomas Barrios Vera vs Jaime Faria
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tomas Barrios Vera survived a thriller against Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the qualifying, while Jaime Faria got a bit lucky with Lorenzo Musetti’s withdrawal after blowing a big lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The Portuguese had that incredible set against Novak Djokovic in Australia, but it’s clear his level still fluctuates like crazy. Tomas Barrios Vera’s flatter attacking game isn’t known for its margin for error, yet he’s still in better shape from match to match. Recently, he made the final at a Challenger in Punta del Este.
Prediction: Barrios Vera in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tomas Martin Etcheverry only won six games in his first clay-court match of the season. Still, his potential to achieve more was limited by drawing Joao Fonseca in the opening round in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, Corentin Moutet posted a win at that event before losing to Lorenzo Musetti. The clash of styles should be entertaining here, as Etcheverry’s tennis is much more predictable. Moutet is probably not the perfect opponent for him, but the Argentinian knows everything about grinding down opponents on clay.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Joao Fonseca vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: First meeting
The sky is the limit for Joao Fonseca’s potential, and while it’s not like there was any doubt about it before Buenos Aires, seeing him micro-adjust in the matches and show a lot of tactics we hadn’t seen from him before on the way to that title was pretty amazing. His biggest issue in Rio de Janeiro will be accumulated fatigue, but maybe it won’t kick in just yet. Either way, the prodigy must be cautious as Alexandre Muller can make things physical and sometimes barely misses shots off the ground.
Prediction: Fonseca in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
