A busy day of ATP Monte Carlo action is scheduled for Day 2. Daniil Medvedev will try to make a positive start on his least favorite surface against Karen Khachanov. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches, including Stan Wawrinka vs Alejandro Tabilo. But which players do you think will triumph?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 2 Predictions
Denis Shapovalov vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Giron 2-1 Shapovalov
Both players seek a first main draw victory in their third appearance in Monte Carlo. Although each man prefers playing on hard or grass courts, Shapovalov’s game is more devastating on clay when it clicks. Giron tends to struggle with timing and controlling his shots on the dirt. The Canadian should also be feeling confident after making a very impressive start to the season, including winning the Dallas Open.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Fabio Fognini vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fognini won the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters, infamously defeating Rafael Nadal in the semifinal. However, he undoubtedly starts as the underdog against Cerundolo. The Argentine enters the tournament after quarterfinal appearances in Indian Wells and Miami. His game can be even more devastating on clay when it sticks. 37-year-old Fognini is a couple of steps slower than a few years ago, which will likely be detrimental to his chances in this matchup.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Medvedev 6-2 Khachanov
Medvedev’s overall head-to-head record against Khachanov is dominant, but he lost to his compatriot in the round of 16 at last year’s Monte Carlo Masters. That is their only previous meeting on clay. The slow clay used at the tournament suits Khachanov more, and he could also benefit from Medvedev’s low confidence after a challenging first few months of the season. Khachanov is backed to overcome the 2021 US Open champion in a tight battle that might go the distance.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
