The 2025 China Open begins in Beijing, marking the start of one of the standout ATP 500 events on the calendar. With plenty of big names in the draw, fans can expect exciting battles from the very first day. As always, LWOT will be providing predictions for every match throughout the tournament, including Jannik Sinner vs Marin Cilic. But who will advance?
ATP Beijing Day 1 Predictions
Alexandre Muller vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Muller 0-1 Khachanov
This is an intriguing matchup on paper that should feature some crisp backhand-to-backhand exchanges. On his day, Muller can produce a level that tests most opponents, but consistency remains an issue for him. Khachanov, on the other hand, is a well-established presence on tour and, with his current form keeping him in the hunt for a place at the year-end championships, it’s hard to see Muller stopping him here.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Terence Atmane vs Zhang Zhizhen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Serve will be crucial in this match, as both players are more than capable of punishing second serves. Atmane showed good form to qualify for the main draw here and has produced glimpses of his potential this season, most notably with a semifinal run in Cincinnati. Zhang, on the other hand, has been plagued by injuries, and a dialed-in Atmane might prove too big a challenge too early for him.
Prediction: Atmane in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite still chasing that elusive first title, you can argue this has been Davidovich Fokina’s best season to date. Carabelli is a traditional clay courter, with just three tour-level wins off that surface in his career. Given the athletic abilities of both players, we can expect plenty of grueling rallies and popcorn points, but ultimately, this is a match the Spaniard should win.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Benjamin Bonzi vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-head: Bonzi 0-1 Marozan
This is a rematch of their clash earlier this season in Washington, where Marozsan’s unpredictability and efficiency on return proved too much for Bonzi to handle. Both players have contrasting styles and, at their best, will feel they have a real chance of winning. However, on hard courts that allow time to set up shots and construct points, Marozsan should have the edge in what could be a closer contest this time around.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Sinner 1-0 Cilic
Sinner enters this match as a strong favorite—not just to win here, but to contend for the title in Beijing. Cilic’s best level is behind him, though his big serve and plus-one forehand can still trouble many players. Unfortunately for him, Sinner is not one of those opponents. Even if he has recently lost the No. 1 ranking, his return game, movement, and consistency give him clear advantages in this matchup.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
