The ATP action continues in Atlanta as more top players get their campaigns underway. Some thrilling encounters are in store on Day 2, and we will be offering up our predictions on the day’s matches. So, who marches into the next round?
ATP Atlanta Day 2 Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Ramkumar Ramanathan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ben Shelton is catching the eye of many and filling them with a lot of excitement. Though still playing college tennis, Shelton is quickly making a name for himself on the professional circuit, playing a number of Challenger and ITF tournaments already. He’s no doubt a big prospect in US men’s tennis, and many fans will be fascinated to see how he goes in his first ever main draw appearance this week.
Ramanathan is a really solid player. Though he’s not playing as much as main draw singles as he’d like, he’s a great doubles player and can always make things tricky for whoever he faces. This match will tell us a lot about where Shelton is at right now. I can see the young American coming out firing here – he’ll no doubt be motivated, and from what people are saying about him, he looks to be the real deal. Shelton may well get his first ATP win here.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Denis Kudla vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: McDonald 1 – 0
This should be a fun match. McDonald is still yet to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him during his college tennis days, but he’s no doubt an excellent hard court player. This should be where his season comes to life a bit, as he’s been somewhat quiet in recent months.
Kudla is always a tough opponent. Though he is most suited to grass, he can be a nightmare on any surface when he’s striking the ball well. Their only main draw meeting came last year in Washington, which McDonald won very comfortably. I expect McDonald to go in as the favourite again here, but Kudla will most likely make a it a cracking contest.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Andres Martin vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: First meeting
Martin is still pretty young at 21 years old, and is almost solely playing his tennis at college right now (aside from a couple of ITFs). As a result, he’s got no main draw experience in singles, and this is a nasty first round for him.
Kokkinakis is no doubt an exceptionally talented player, and is finally getting through a year on the tour with no devastating injuries. We all know how good a player the Australian is, yet his career high is only 69, where he sits now. The longer he keeps playing, his ranking will no doubt get closer to where he should be. Kokkinakis is superb on hard courts, and this should really be a routine win for him, He has the level of a top player, and his opponent has no real professional experience.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 2
Jenson Brooksby vs Benoit Paire
Head-to-head: First meeting
This has to be the match of the day. This time last year, Brooksby was really announcing himself on the men’s tour. His unorthodox style and high tennis IQ were a nightmare for many of his opponents to crack. The young American stalled f fair bit during the clay and grass court seasons, which highlighted he’s got a lot of work to do on the other surfaces. That said, he’s clearly an excellent player on the hard courts, and he should be right back in his comfort zone.
Paire is one of the toughest players to predict, as you never know which version will show up on the day. He has the ability to be great, and also look like he doesn’t belong in the top 100. Even if he’s playing well these days, he struggles to maintain his focus and level for an entire match. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Frenchman turns up and plays some outstanding tennis, but Brooksby will eventually be too crafty and smart to be affected. Paire may get a set, but I can’t see him winning.
Prediction: Brooksby in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
