It might now have a 32-player draw and an ATP 500 competitor in the same week now (Munich), but surely ATP Barcelona Open will not lose any of its entertainment value. On an interesting first day, 12 players will be in action with a spot in the second round on offer. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on day one, including Holger Rune vs Albert Ramos Vinolas. But who will advance?
ATP Barcelona Day 1 Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: Thompson 1-0 Carballes Baena
Jordan Thompson defeated Roberto Carballes Baena handily at Wimbledon three years ago, but the assumption is this matchup might look very different on clay courts. The Australian’s first serve will be neutralized and he can’t put that much weight into his forehand on slow courts. Meanwhile, he’s facing an opponent who literally lives off grinding players down on this surface. It’s clear who the favorite is, but it will be interesting to see if Thompson can throw some curveballs as he’s that kind of competitor.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 2
Matteo Arnaldi vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is such a good first-round match and it’s a testament to the strength of this Barcelona draw that both players are unseeded here. Matteo Arnaldi suffered a loss to Richard Gasquet in Monte Carlo and while the French veteran still has his moments, it feels like this really shouldn’t be happening to such a talented player at this stage of his career. But maybe he can bounce back here. After all, Arnaldi tends to look better when he’s put on the defense and doesn’t have to overplay his forehand. In a way, Sebastian Korda might give him what he wants.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Jesper de Jong
Head-to-head: first meeting
With just one win in his last four events, it’s clear Andrey Rublev isn’t having the time of his life. But it’s also not like he’s there for the taking, at least not for everybody. You still need to deliver a strong performance to beat him and we’ll see where the new coaching partnership with Marat Safin can take him. Considering the issues with his form of late, it would be a disaster for him to go out in the opening round here. He should probably make it past Jesper de Jong, who’s yet to show he can make it long-term on the ATP Tour.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
