The ATP Auckland draw begins to take shape as players look to make early statements in one of the final tune-ups before Melbourne. With limited time to find rhythm, these matches often reward clarity of intent rather than caution. Hard courts here tend to expose hesitation, placing extra value on clean serving and decisive shot selection.

Day 2 offers several contrasting styles, setting up matchups where execution in key moments should matter more than reputation. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

ATP Auckland Day 2 Predictions 
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Roberto Bautista Agut

Head-to-Head: first meeting 

Mpetshi Perricard brings raw power, especially on serve, and these courts give him plenty of opportunities to earn free points. Bautista Agut counters that with experience, excellent return positioning, and a calm approach in tight moments. While the Spaniard is adept at absorbing pace, handling consistent pressure on serve games could prove challenging. If Mpetshi Perricard maintains a reasonable first-serve percentage, his aggression should dictate enough of the match.

Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3 

Nuno Borges vs Tomas Martín Etcheverry

Head-to-Head: first meeting 

Borges is quietly reliable on hard courts, using depth and consistency to stay competitive in most rallies. He’s comfortable taking the ball early and doesn’t give opponents many free points. Etcheverry, by contrast, is more effective when he has time to wind up his heavy forehand, something quicker surfaces don’t always allow. Borges’ ability to redirect pace and extend exchanges could gradually draw errors, especially if rallies are played on his terms. That steadiness should help him edge the key moments.

Prediction: Borges in 3

Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Hamad Medjedovic

Head-to-Head: Medjedovic 3–0 Kovacevic 

Kovacevic is most comfortable on hard courts, using flat groundstrokes and early ball striking to keep points short. When he finds his range, he can take time away from opponents and control rallies. Medjedovic, however, arrives with momentum after playing through the qualifying rounds, where he looked solid and composed. He also holds a 3–0 head-to-head lead, suggesting he matches up well against Kovacevic’s style. That familiarity, combined with recent match play and his willingness to absorb pace before striking, should give Medjedovic confidence in the key moments.

Prediction: Medjedovic in 2

Alex Michelsen vs Mariano Navone

Head-to-Head: first meeting 

Michelsen’s game is well-suited to hard courts, where his serve and forehand allow him to play on the front foot. He’s shown an ability to handle pace and finish points efficiently, particularly in quicker conditions. Navone is a tough competitor and rarely gives anything away, but his best results have come on slower surfaces where he has more time to construct rallies. On Auckland’s courts, Michelsen’s willingness to step inside the baseline and shorten points should keep him in control.

Prediction: Michelsen in 2

Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK