A busy schedule is in store at the ATP Chengdu Open on Day 2. Some of the players who lost in Davis Cup ties have a chance to return to winning ways in the opening round of this tournament. We also predict four other matches in a separate article, including Gael Monfils vs Alexander Shevchenko. Who will advance?
ATP Chengdu Day 2 Predictions
Jordan Thompson vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Tabilo 1-0 Thompson
Before his run to the Guangzhou Challenger final this month (lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo), Tabilo was having a disastrous season. He dropped out of the Top 100 and had won just 10 matches all year. That runner-up finish might just be the catalyst that Tabilo needs to salvage his season. Thompson was a quarterfinalist in his last trip to Chengdu but lacks form heading to this week’s event.
Prediction: Tabilo in 2
Taro Daniel vs Coleman Wong
Head-to-head: Daniel 1-1 Wong
Daniel’s successful qualifying campaign in Chengdu marks the first time he’s won back-to-back on the ATP Tour this season. The Japanese veteran has struggled for consistency on all surfaces with a paltry nine wins in 34 matches at all levels. Stylistically, this matchup pits Daniel’s experience and ability to deliver under pressure against Wong’s shotmaking. However, the Hong Kong native is having a much better season. Expect Wong to maintain that momentum and eke out a hard-fought victory.
Prediction: Wong in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: McDonald 1-1 van de Zandschulp
van de Zandschulp is winless in his last three matches. That includes a crucial singles defeat to Francisco Cerundolo in the Netherlands’ Davis Cup tie against Argentina, which they lost. He’ll need to pick himself up for a busy stretch in the next two months so he can secure a Top 100 year-end ranking. That said, this might be a good time to face the Dutchman, with McDonald entering the main draw with three wins in his last five matches.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Sebastian Baez vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-head: first meeting
Basilashvili was three games away from defeat against Bernard Tomic in qualifying. The Georgian rallied from a break down in the deciding set to win the match and secure a spot in the main draw. Baez hasn’t played since a first-round defeat to Lloyd Harris at the US Open and is only 2-7 on hard courts this year. Basilashvili is the player in a smoother rhythm and could easily outhit the Argentinian.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
