The ATP 500 series moves on to the city of Acapulco, Mexico and we have a jam packed draw with top players gracing the courts. As ever, we preview and predict all the scheduled matches for you.
ATP Acapulco Day 2 Predictions
Adrian Mannarino vs Sho Shimabukuro
Head-to-head – First Meeting
Adrian Mannarino brings far more experience into this clash and arrives in decent form after a recent finals appearance in Montpellier. Sho Shimabukuro has done well to come through qualifying, but he lacks the same level of main-draw experience. Expect Mannarino’s consistency and craft to see him control proceedings and dominate the match.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
Mattia Bellucci vs Rinky Hijikata
Head-to-head – First Meeting
Mattia Bellucci is a talented young Italian who is comfortable on clay and needs consistent match wins to build momentum. Rinky Hijikata has made a decent start to the year and, with his aggressive style, should be able to rush Bellucci and take time away from him. Expect a tight battle, but Hijikata’s intensity could see him come through.
Prediction: Hijikata in 3
James Duckworth vs Dalibor Svrcina
Head-to-head – First Meeting
James Duckworth and Dalibor Svrcina have both struggled for momentum this year. Duckworth, however, is the higher-ranked player and brings significantly more experience to this matchup, while Svrcina is still trying to find consistency at this level. The Australian’s experience and slightly heavier groundstrokes should prove the difference in what could be a scrappy contest.
Prediction: Duckworth in 3
Damir Dzumhur vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head – Dzumhur 0-3 Monfils
Damir Dzumhur has struggled for results in recent weeks and tends to be more effective on quicker surfaces. Gael Monfils, returning to action after the Australian Open, remains a dangerous opponent even at 39. With his superior serve and big-match experience, expect Monfils to make a strong start and control proceedings from the baseline.
Prediction: Monfils in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head – Zverev 2-0 Moutet
Alexander Zverev returs to action after a disappointing loss at the Australian Open in the semifinals. The German, seeded first here, will be looking to nab his first title of the year. He takes on Corentin Moutet who can be a dangerous opponent on his day but on the hard courts and best of three, Zverev’s firepower and consistency should be a bridge too far for the Frenchman to cross.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images