The Parisian party continues with some mouth-watering encounters on the second day. Who will continue their quest to succeed the absent defending champion, Novak Djokovic, in France? We @LWOT offer our predictions.
ATP Paris Day 2 Predictions
Richard Gasquet vs Zizou Bergs
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
This will be the veteran Richard Gasquet’s last appearance at this event, and he will probably fight to make it memorable. However, he’s stuttered since winning the Challenger title in Cassis last month and will have it all to do against the young Belgian, Zizou Bergs, who is making his debut here in Paris. Despite their age difference, both players can win this, but I’ll lean towards Bergs to secure his maiden win at this level.
Prediction: Bergs in 3.
Frances Tiafoe vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
The first meeting between these talented two ultimately depends on who wants this more. Tiafoe has more experience at this level but is up against the Frenchman, who is still over the moon with his exploits on tour in his breakthrough season. Given the stage, I’ll back the younger youngster to hold on to his rocket serve and try to end this year on a high
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3.
Andrey Rublev vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head–to–Head: Rublev 1 vs 2 Cerundolo
Francisco Cerundolo showed more composure in his solid win against the big-serving Quentin Halys in the first round, and he’ll head into this clash confident he can extend his edge over Rublev from their earlier encounters. However, the Russian wants to make the ATP Finals in Turin and should be equally motivated to equal their head-to-head. It’s all up to Rublev to decide who is the better player.
Prediction: Rublev in 3.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Nicolas Jarry
Head–to–Head: Alcaraz 2 vs 1 Jarry
Nicolas Jarry nicked his third win in 15 attempts over the inconsistent Lorenzo Sonego, but it’s too soon to play Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the next round of an ATP Masters 1000 event. While the Spaniard has already qualified for Turin, he will be eying the title here in Paris as the defending champion, Djokovic isn’t in the mix. However, while it won’t be entirely surprising if the Chilean upset the Spanish superstar on clay, Alcaraz will be more comfortable in this surrounding.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
