Several intriguing first-round matchups are set to be played out on day two at the ATP Geneva Open. With Roland Garros just around the corner, the whole field will no doubt be eager to build form and confidence on the Geneva clay and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all seven matches on day two – including Dusan Lajovic vs Jacob Fearnley. But who will progress to the second round?
ATP Geneva Day 2 Predictions
Kei Nishikori vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kei Nishikori continues his comeback but enters Geneva with limited clay-court match play and fitness concerns after a recent retirement in Houston. His opponent, 18-year-old Learner Tien, has shown flashes of brilliance this year with wins over top players like Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. While Nishikori holds the edge in experience and shot-making variety, Tien’s form and physical edge may tilt the balance. If the American maintains his composure, he has a real shot at pulling off the upset.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Sebastian Ofner vs Ivan Gakhov
Head-to-head: Ofner 1-0 Gakhov
Sebastian Ofner boasts a solid clay-court record and recently secured a straight-sets victory over Ivan Gakhov at this very tournament in 2024. Gakhov, while showing promise with a recent win at the M25 Santa Margherita di Pula, has struggled against higher-ranked opponents and the world #317 has not yet consistently demonstrated that he can compete at this level. Given their head-to-head history and current form, Ofner should have enough to advance.
Prediction: Ofner in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Cameron Norrie vs Dominic Stricker
Head-to-head: first meeting
Cameron Norrie enters the Geneva Open with a 13–13 record in 2025, including a recent straight-sets loss to Daniil Medvedev in Rome. Despite his fluctuating form, Norrie has demonstrated resilience on clay, notably defeating Jiri Lehecka in Madrid earlier this month, and his heavy topspin forehand can be a weapon in these conditions. Home hope Dominic Stricker, currently ranked #258, has faced challenges on clay this season, including a straight-sets defeat to Kimmer Coppejans at the Rome Challenger. While Stricker’s left-handedness can be advantage, that will be negated against fellow southpaw Norrie. Stricker will still have home advantage, but Norrie’s consistency and experience on clay make him the favorite in this matchup.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Main photo credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
