The 2024 ATP Stuttgart Open is underway highlighting the swiftness of the arrival and departure of the grass season. It hasn’t been long since the French Open ended but such is the ATP Tour season that there is no time to rest. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Stuttgart Day 2 Predictions
James Duckworth vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Head to head – First Meeting
James Duckworth will have a tricky first round opponent in Pierre-Hugues Herbert as the Frenchman’s game-style suits the fast grass courts in Stuttgart quite nicely. Duckworth will be wary that Herbert is yet to win a singles match this year but the Australian doesn’t possess any extraordinary firepower from the baseline to rattle Herbert here.
Prediction: Herbert in 2
Matteo Martineau vs Denis Shapovalov
Head to head – First Meeting
Denis Shapovalov doesn’t have a lot of time to find his footing on the grass as the Canadian lost in the first round last week in Surbiton. Luckily for him, he takes on French qualifier Matteo Martineau, who doesn’t have much experience at this level. Expect the Canadian to struggle initially but as the match goes on to find his range.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Roman Safiullin
Head to head – First Meeting
Matteo Berrettini returns to competition after a fairly lengthy break of two months. The Italian will be pleased to return to his favourite surface but he hasn’t drawn an easy first round opponent. Roman Safiullin is bound to make things difficult for the Italian but the Russian looks out of form and looks like he can only put up a fight and not get the win.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Marcos Giron vs Andy Murray
Head to head – First Meeting
The big question ahead of the tournament is will this be Andy Murray’s last Wimbledon? The Brit will no doubt enjoy the crowd support and that should invigorate him to elevate his levels. He takes on Marcos Giron who has had an average year so far but on baseline quality he is most likely to be outmaneuvered by Murray. Expect Murray to put on a show here.
Prediction: Murray in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports