As the clay-court swing gains momentum, the ATP Marrakech Grand Prix provides a key opportunity for players to adapt to the slower conditions and test their form on the surface. As always we here at LWOT bring you predictions for every match on day two in Marrakech, including Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs Hugo Gaston. But who will reach the next round?
ATP Marrakech Day 2 Predictions
Daniel Altmaier vs Otto Virtanen
Head-to-head: Altmaier 1-0 Virtanen
Daniel Altmaier, a natural clay-courter, comes into this match as the favorite given his experience and past success on the surface. While his recent form has been inconsistent, he has a much stronger clay-court pedigree than Otto Virtanen, who is still developing his game on slower surfaces. Virtanen, known more for his hard-court prowess, has struggled to make an impact on clay at the ATP level. Unless the Finn can overpower Altmaier with first-strike tennis, the German should grind out a win in straight sets.
Prediction: Altmaier in 2
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Elliot Benchetrit vs Jesper De Jong
Head-to-head: first meeting
Elliot Benchetrit, playing in his first ATP main draw since coming out of retirement, will have the home crowd behind him, but his lack of recent match play at this level is a major concern. Jesper de Jong, on the other hand, has been steadily improving and has posted solid results on clay, particularly on the Challenger circuit. With better match fitness and a more reliable baseline game, the Dutchman should be able to dictate the rallies and wear Benchetrit down. While the Moroccan may have some flashes of brilliance, De Jong is the likely winner in straight sets.
Prediction: De Jong in 2
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Pavel Kotov vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-head: first meeting
Pavel Kotov has established himself as a solid clay-court player with a game built around heavy hitting and strong baseline consistency. While his recent form has been mixed, he has proven capable of grinding out tough matches on this surface. Mattia Bellucci, on the other hand, is still relatively inexperienced at the ATP level on clay and has struggled to produce consistent results. If Kotov can dictate play and extend rallies, he should have the edge, making him the favorite to advance in straight sets.
Prediction: Kotov in 2
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Kamil Majchrzak vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Majchrzak 2-0 Munar
Jaume Munar, a proven clay-court specialist, comes into this match with a clear advantage given his grinding baseline game and experience on the surface. However, Kamil Majchrzak has shown promising signs in his return, coming through the qualifying rounds with solid performances that suggest he is finding his rhythm. While Munar’s physicality and consistency will test the Pole’s endurance, Majchrzak’s match sharpness from qualies could make this a closer contest than expected. If Munar dictates with his trademark consistency, he remains the favorite, but Majchrzak’s momentum could push this to a deciding set.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
