All eyes turn to ATP Auckland as the early rounds continue and players look to settle into the rhythm of the new season. With hard courts offering true bounce and rewarding first-strike tennis, these matches are as much about sharpness as they are about confidence. Day 2 blends proven pedigree with questions around match readiness, making it an intriguing slate. As always, we break down the matchups and offer our predictions below. But who will progress?

ATP Auckland Day 2 Predictions 
Alejandro Tabilo vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli

Head-to-Head: first meeting 

Tabilo has grown increasingly comfortable on hard courts, using his left-handed serve and improved backhand to take time away from opponents. Ugo Carabelli prefers slower conditions where he can grind and build points patiently. In Auckland, points are likely to be shorter, and Tabilo’s ability to strike first should allow him to stay in control. As long as he keeps his unforced errors in check, he should dictate the tempo throughout.

Prediction: Tabilo in 2

Marcos Giron vs Alexandre Muller

Head-to-Head: Giron 1–0 Muller 

Giron brings a steady, no-frills game that often pays dividends early in the season. He defends well, redirects pace effectively, and is comfortable extending rallies on hard courts. Muller can be dangerous when he plays freely, but his level tends to fluctuate, especially when forced to hit extra balls. Giron’s discipline and experience in these conditions should gradually apply pressure, drawing mistakes at key moments.

Prediction: Giron in 2

 

Gaël Monfils vs Fabian Marozsan

Head-to-Head: Monfils 2–1 Marozsan 

Monfils returns to Auckland as the defending champion, a reminder of how effective his athleticism and variety can be in these conditions. He also holds a 2–1 edge in their head-to-head, having previously found ways to disrupt Marozsan’s rhythm. The complication is that this marks his first tournament back since September, following an injury layoff. Match sharpness and physical endurance remain unknowns.

Marozsan, by contrast, has been competing regularly, although that hasn’t amounted to much success. If rallies extend and pressure moments arrive late, that recent match play could matter, but only just. 

Prediction: Monfils in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports