Day 2 of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters is here, and brings the long-anticipated return of a former Swiss champion, not named Roger Federer. As always, we predict the matches for you, including for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s farewell tour.
Monte Carlo Day 2 Predictions
Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: first meeting
The most salient feature of this meeting is the extreme experience of Ramos-Vinolas, who is a clay specialist, versus the complete lack of experience from Griekspoor, who has played only five Tour-level matches on the surface. The Dutchman has actually had the better victories this year, in terms of quality of competition, though the Spaniard has pulled out a title, albeit one with mostly low-ranked opponents. But I have trouble seeing the clay-savvy veteran not pulling this one out, though I don’t like his lack of significant wins this season.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 3
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Tsonga 2-6 Cilic
One last battle for the heavy-hitters. Tsonga has announced his impending retirement, and it feels right, as he has had trouble staying on court and keeping his ranking respectable. He will face an old foe in Cilic, who leads the head-to-head by a good margin, although the Croat has slowed down from his hot start to the season. Tsonga hasn’t been able to put much together this year, and Cilic may be able to find his early-season form again here.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Stan Wawrinka vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a strange matchup. Wawrinka is finally back on court, but with only a single uninspiring Challenger loss on the year, after injuries dropped his ranking to sub-200. But he has had a lot of success in Monte Carlo, including one title, and has as many wins just at this tournament as Bublik has matches played on clay. Bublik has not been great in the matches he has played on the surface, and has almost no experience in Monte Carlo. Yet, has had a decent start to the season, including winning a title in Montpellier. That tournament included several good wins, including a huge win over world #3 Alexander Zverev. I don’t necessarily foresee high quality from Bublik, but Wawrinka is coming back from a long layoff.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
