Tuesday at the Libema Open features the remaining eight men’s singles first-round matches. Qualifiers and lucky losers come into play with an all-Belgian showdown between Zizou Bergs and Alexander Blockx, and Adrian Mannarino taking on Christopher O’Connell. Who do you think will advance to the next stage at ATP Den Bosch?
ATP Den Bosch Day 2 Predictions
Zizou Bergs vs Alexander Blockx
Head-to-head: First meeting
What a clash between the Belgian No. 1 and a fantastic up-and-comer from the same country. Alexander Blockx found the Den Bosch grass very slippery during qualifying but was able to defeat the tricky veteran Adrian Mannarino. The low contact point felt like it suited his forehand, and with Zizou Bergs being in mediocre form recently, maybe he can produce the upset here. It won’t be easy though, as Bergs has much more experience on this surface and is excellent on grass.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Otto Virtanen vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: Etcheverry 1-0
Otto Virtanen extended his Challenger final record to 7-0 on Sunday, prevailing over Colton Smith in Birmingham. The Finn almost defeated Tommy Paul at Wimbledon last year and can be a force on a grass court. His groundstrokes barely bounce off the surface, and he’s got the serve plus net skills to pile up the pressure on the opponent. Tomas Martin Etcheverry might be in trouble here if Virtanen can execute his game and take time away.
Prediction: Virtanen in 2
Laslo Djere vs Mark Lajal
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mark Lajal has a fascinatingly low 0/3 success rate in qualifying for Challengers on grass, while on the main tour, he has achieved it in 2/2 attempts (Wimbledon last year and Den Bosch this week). The Estonian is waiting for a good opportunity to make his breakthrough, and with such an aggressive game, grass could be it. Laslo Djere didn’t post a single win on grass last season and seems like a relatively vulnerable opponent. This could be Lajal’s moment.
Prediction: Lajal in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: Mannarino 1-0
Adrian Mannarino lost to Alexander Blockx in a good battle in the final qualifying round. The Frenchman’s season up until the grass swing was a complete nightmare, but his flat-hitting technique is always going to be a threat on this surface. You need to be ready to hit so many balls outside of your comfort zone. Christopher O’Connell isn’t the type of player who will completely disintegrate when facing this challenge, but maybe Mannarino can use the grass momentum he’s already picked up to prevail.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte – USA TODAY Sports
