The ATP Tour moves on to the post Australian Open leg of the tour with a number of players heading to France for ATP Montpellier for the start of the indoor hard court season. Day two promises plenty of entertaining action and, as ever, we here at LWOT preview and predict every match on the slate including Hubert Hurkacz vs Martin Damm, but who will advance?
ATP Montpellier Day 2 Predictions
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 2-0 Carreno Busta
Pablo Carreno Busta and Miomir Kecmanovic both come into this match after enduring heartbreaking five-set losses in the first round of the Australian Open. Kecmanovic holds a 2-0 head-to-head advantage and is generally better suited to hard courts at this stage in their careers despite the Spaniard’s good CV on hard courts. With Carreno Busta’s best years appearing to be behind him, this should turn into a physical slugfest, but the Serbian should hold the edge.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Arthur Fils vs Valentin Royer
Head-to-head: first meeting
This all-French battle could be close, with Valentin Royer looking to capitalize on any early rust from Arthur Fils, who last played in Cincinnati late last season. Still, Fils is the higher-ranked and more established player for a reason and as the match wears on, if Fils is able to find his range, he should have enough to overpower his compatriot. But don’t expect it to be entirely straighforward for Fils.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Humbert 4-0 Zandschulp
This should be the match of the day. Home favourite Ugo Humbert takes on Botic van de Zandschulp. Humbert reached the final in Adelaide this year and the Frenchman loves playing here. He has beaten the Dutchman on all four previous occasions and while van de Zandschulp had a decent Australian Open, the conditions definitely suit Humbert more.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images