Following the conclusion to the strangest Monte-Carlo Masters we’ve seen in recent years is the first European ATP 250 event of the year on clay. Last year’s Roland Garros semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato will attempt to defend his title. He is joined by World #12 Marin Cilic–who is hoping to turn around what has so far been a horrible season.
ATP Budapest Day 1 Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Mikhail Kukushkin
The 23-year-old Italian has had most of his success on clay in his young career so far, with his only title and best Slam result coming on the surface. Kukushkin, on the other hand, has struggled to make an impact on the surface his whole career. Expect Berrettini to find some form this week leading into the bigger clay events coming up and repeat his win over Kukushkin last month in the Phoenix Challenger final.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Bernard Tomic vs Aljaz Bedene
Tomic might not be the player he once was but that doesn’t change the fact he’s still playing better than he was 12 months ago, or even a few years back. Unfortunately for him, the Australian only finds himself with three ATP main draw wins this season. On the other hand, the Slovenian only has six himself, but with all coming on the clay. This could be close and not pretty, but I expect the man with the slightly better season so far to take it.
Prediction: Bedene in 3
Radu Albot vs Sergiy Stakhovsky
At 29 years old, Radu Albot has had a breakout season out of nowhere. From winning his maiden title at Delray Beach in February he backed it up by pushing 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in Miami, to the shock of many. His opponent, lucky loser Stakhovsky (now mainly an ATP Challenger Tour player) can’t say the same with all his big successes happening many moons go. This is a nice opening round for Albot and one he will win.
Prediction: Albot in 2
Andreas Seppi vs Filip Krajinovic
The Serbian Krajinovic has had a weird season so far. Coming back from all the injuries that have plagued his career thus far, he’s somewhat had a successful comeback. Unfortunately for him, he’s still ranked outside the Top 100, but at this rate that will surely change. With the Italian without a single win in over two months, it’s the perfect chance for Krajinovic to gain some points and aid his quest in rejoining the Top 100.
Prediction: Krajinovic in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
