Denis Shapovalov seeks to end a difficult season on a high at the ATP 250 in Belgrade. His match against Marton Fucsovics is one of four predicted in this article. We at LWOT predict the other contests taking place in a separate article, including Marin Cilic vs Alexandre Muller. But which players do you think will win on Day 2?
ATP Belgrade Day 2 Predictions
Luciano Darderi vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: Darderi 1-1 Altmaier
Darderi was in the spotlight at the Vienna Open after beating Dominic Thiem in the final tournament of his career before retirement. However, that was the Italian’s second hardcourt victory in 13 matches in 2024. Altmaier also prefers playing on clay, but his rally tolerance and greater confidence on an indoor hardcourt might give him the edge against Darderi.
Prediction: Altmaier in 2
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Branko Djuric
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kovacevic did not enter the Paris Masters qualifying last week. This should be the ideal draw for him to find some rhythm. Djuric is ranked outside the Top 700 and entered the draw as a wild card. The Serbian will get good crowd support but that is unlikely to be good enough to overcome the difference in quality between these two.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 2
Dusan Lajovic vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lajovic has not won a singles match since the Croatia Open on clay in July. Navone’s recent form and results have not been breathtaking, but they are not as bad as Lajovic’s. The 34-year-old will hope to get a lift from playing in front of his home fans, but the Serbian’s poor level on hard courts in recent months makes it hard to have any confidence in him.
Prediction: Navone in 2
Denis Shapovalov vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: Fucsovics 2-1 Shapovalov
Both men came through qualifying without dropping a set. Shapovalov has found some form after a rough year, performing impressively at the Shanghai Masters and the Swiss Indoors in Basel. The indoor conditions in Belgrade suit the Canadian’s game when it is firing, and he could have enough to hit through Fucsovics. The Hungarian will provide a stern test, though.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
