It’s Day 2 of first-round main draw action at ATP Cincinnati, and the draw is already offering up a few intriguing matchups. With a mix of tour veterans, promising juniors, and players trying to break through, expect a bit of everything—long rallies, tight scorelines, and maybe even a surprise or two. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate. But who will book their place in the next round?
ATP Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Kei Nishikori is still working his way back after another long injury layoff, having last played in Geneva back in May. Camilo Ugo Carabelli, who’s more comfortable on clay, has struggled to adapt to hard courts and hasn’t won back-to-back matches in a while. This will be their first meeting, and both players come in short on form. If Nishikori’s body holds up, his rhythm and court sense should carry him. But match fitness could still be a factor.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Sebastian Ofner vs Valentin Royer
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Sebastian Ofner has transitioned well into the post Wimbledon clay or North American hard court summer but looked sharp at times, including two tight sets lose to Reilly Opelka in Toronto. Valentin Royer came through qualifying with a couple of clean wins and has quietly built confidence on hard courts this season. This is a first-time meeting, and it could come down to who starts better. Ofner’s heavier hitting gives him a slight edge, but Royer has the kind of game that can frustrate if given time. Expect a close one if it goes deep.
Prediction: Royer in 3
Martin Landaluce vs Patrick Kypson
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Both are relatively young and inexperienced at this level, though Patrick Kypson has had a bit more exposure and came through qualifying without much fuss. Martin Landaluce had to work harder to book his spot but showed good fight in the process. This is their first meeting, and it could turn into a battle of baseline patience and shot selection. Neither has much momentum coming in, so nerves and execution might decide the outcome. If Kypson stays steady on return and keeps points on his terms, he’ll have the upper hand. But Landaluce’s shot tolerance and grit could make things interesting.
Prediction: Kypson in 3
Mattia Bellucci vs Damir Dzumhur
Head-to-Head: Dzumhur 1–0 Bellucci
Damir Dzumhur has been around long enough to know how to win ugly, and that experience could matter here. Bellucci’s results have been uneven all summer, and he’s yet to find a strong rhythm on hard courts. Dzumhur got the win in their sole meeting, and it’s the kind of match that could swing either way depending on who finds their level first. Bellucci’s lefty forehand is a weapon, but only if he’s timing it well. Dzumhur’s court coverage and grit could be the difference if it gets tight.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 3
Learner Tien vs Leandro Riedi
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Leandro Riedi is coming off a good stretch on the Challenger tour and has already picked up a couple of wins here in qualifying. Learner Tien has impressed in flashes this season, but consistency and experience are still a work in progress. This is a first-time meeting between two young players with very different styles. If Tien serves well and keeps his composure, he’ll be tough to stop. But Riedi’s ability to construct points could keep him in it longer than expected.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
