With the Olympics being played next week in Paris, ATP Atlanta doesn’t feature any of the world’s top players, but it is still a competitive field. Many American players are vying for a home trophy, and other talented players are looking to have a big run. The top seeds won’t be in action this Tuesday, but it should still be a very exciting day of high-quality tennis.
ATP Atlanta Day 2 Predictions
Arthur Rinderknech vs Jeffrey John Wolf
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players are having quite disappointing years thus far, with Wolf even dropping out of the top 100. Playing at home, he will be desperate to have a good run and get some momentum going. Rinderknech actually played decent tennis at Wimbledon despite a second-round exit to Taylor Fritz, though, and seems to be in slightly better form in general.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: McDonald 3-1 Nakashima
Both Americans have had quite disappointing seasons so far and will be looking to get some much needed momentum and confidence going this week. The head-to-head clearly favors McDonald, but Nakashima is the better player at this point in time and should be able to take this one, given their current form and ability.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Andres Martin vs Juncheng Shang
Head-to-head: first meeting
At World No. 483, Martin is one of the lowest-ranked players you will see at an ATP event all year. He has never shown the ability to be competitive at this level and shouldn’t have much to trouble Shang here. 19-year-old Shang has been playing very good tennis and steadily climbing up the rankings, even taking Dimitrov to five sets at Wimbledon. He should be able to take this one with relative ease.
Prediction: Shang in 2
Thanasis Kokkinakis vs Borna Coric
Head-to-head: Coric 3-0 Kokkinakis
Both players were hyped as potential future top players when they were young, but both didn’t quite live up to expectations, with injuries playing a big role, especially in Kokkinakis’s case. At this point in their careers, a 250 title would be highly significant for either of these players, and they will do everything to get it. Coric has the head-to-head advantage, but Kokkinakis has been playing better lately and could finally win this matchup.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
