There are some exciting first-round matches scheduled on Day 2 of the ATP 250 tournament in Marrakech, and fans can expect great rallies and shotmaking. This article features #5 seed Kamil Majchrzak taking on Juan Manuel Cerundolo of Argentina. We will be predicting all the matches on the slate, but who will advance?

ATP Marrakech Day 2 Predictions
Mattia Bellucci vs Reda Bennani

Head-to-Head: first meeting

19-year-old wild card Reda Bennani will play the first Tour-level match of his career and should get plenty of crowd support. Bennani has not even played on the Challenger Tour and will find it difficult to face a Top 100 player for the first time. Mattia Bellucci has not been at his best this season, but he should be able to overwhelm the inexperienced local player.
Prediction: Bellucci in 2

Hugo Gaston vs Luca Van Assche

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Clay is Hugo Gaston’s most successful surface, but surprisingly, this will be his first match on clay this season. He has been playing on the Challenger circuit with success on indoor hard courts, but his compatriot and first-round opponent, Luca Van Assche, is in much better form. However, Van Assche is not as comfortable on clay as he is on indoor surfaces, and he may struggle to match Gaston’s variety and defense. This should be a close encounter, but I will go with Gaston.
Prediction: Gaston in 3

Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Jodar

Head-to-Head: first meeting

19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar is getting better with every tournament, and could be a dangerous player at this altitude. His serve and big strike tennis will be rewarded if he can maintain his shape and not overhit. Dusan Lajovic is an experienced player and knows how to perform on this surface. He easily won his qualifying matches and will look to make a statement this week. However, consistency has been a hurdle for him the last couple of years, and he might struggle against the power of Jodar.
Prediction: Jodar in 3

Kamil Majchrzak vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Kamil Majchrzak is playing the best tennis of his life and had a great run to the semifinals here last year. Clay is not his best surface, but the altitude in Marrakech helps his style of tennis, and Juan Manuel Cerundolo will have to play a great match to challenge the Polish player. Cerundolo has already played several matches on this surface this season, which could help him adapt quickly. However, once Majchrzak finds his groove, he is my favourite to win.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3

Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports