After a rain-impacted Day 1 in Cincinnati, first-round action will continue on Friday at the ATP 1000 tournament. LWOT previews and predicts the exciting matches ahead of a star-studded weekend.
ATP Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Daniel Altmaier vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bautista Agut made the semifinals of this event way back in 2020, but the Spaniard’s age and wear on the court have slowed down both his groundstrokes and speed. Altmaier, who has lost his three matches, has a rather poor 31% win rate on hard courts throughout his career, and the veteran Bautista Agut has a bit more experience on these sturdy courts despite his age. The Spaniard hasn’t played a match on hard courts this summer, but I can see him sneaking through this match deep into a third set.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Adam Walton vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: First meeting
Walton has had a strong hard-court season this summer, pushing Alexander Zverev in Toronto last week, while making the finals of an ATP 250 tournament in Los Cabos in July. He should have the upper hand against Navone, a lucky loser who enjoys slower courts outside of the United States. Navone is playing just his sixth tournament of 2025 on hard courts, though he can’t be ruled out as a former Top 30 player.
Prediction: Walton in 3
Aleksandar Vukic vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-head: First meeting
After Gael Monfils withdrew from the tournament due to injury, lucky loser Vukic will have a big opportunity to follow up a strong Toronto run from last week, where he made the third round. Basavareddy, a wildcard at this tournament, has dipped in form during the past few months, but should be expected to play well in front of his home crowd. On top of the Aussie’s strong summer hard-court season, he has two matches under his belt from qualifying and should be match-prepped for this occasion.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Jenson Brooksby vs Alexandre Müller
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sitting just outside the Top 100, Brooksby could use a big week at this tournament to boost his confidence for the US Open. Muller, on the other hand, enters this tournament coming off a 14-19 record in 2025 at tour level, as he lost in the third round last week in Toronto. The Frenchman has a consistent game, and despite Brooksby’s tendency to perform well at home in the United States, he’s on a three-match losing streak. Look for Muller to progress to the second round.
Prediction: Muller in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
