Atp 250 Houston - Day 2
Darderi L. vs. Cerdundolo F.
As predicted, Darderi struggled slightly with the surface change in the first round, but once he found his rhythm, he won the match quite comfortably. However, attention should be paid to his opponent today, who, despite making many errors, has shown consistency in performance and results. Given that both players are very aggressive, there could be many errors and games at deuce, resulting in breaks. In conclusion, I anticipate a closely contested match, perhaps with an outcome in the third set.
Nakashima B. vs. Hijikata R.
Nakashima is playing on the clay in Houston, a surface that suits his speed and rotations well. He dominated the young Croatian Ajukovic in straight sets. On the other hand, Hijikata unexpectedly defeated Eubanks, who I believe will have to wait for the grass season to bounce back. This match, based on the characteristics of the two players, should be very one-sided, but perhaps one set could extend to a tiebreak.
Shelton B. vs. Bergs Z.
Here we have two players with very similar playing styles but with vastly different rankings. Shelton has had a very impactful start to the season and is improving a lot, but he struggles to make an impact on red clay. It must be said that compared to last year, he has matured a lot, and I believe that even though he might face some difficulties, he will pull through. Bergs, on the other hand, has hardly played on cement so far, so he will be ready for these characteristics right away. Perhaps he will win the first set, surprising his opponent, but then eventually concede a comeback.
Giron M. vs. Wolf J.J.
Giron has shown significant improvement on this surface, feeling perfectly at ease and adapting perfect trajectories that can trouble anyone, even strong players like Shapovalov, who he easily eliminated in straight sets. On the other hand, Wolf is returning from an injury and won a hard-fought match against a strong opponent like his compatriot. Wolf's many errors, especially after his serve, which have been penalizing him for a year now, weigh heavily on him.
Duckworth J. vs. Tiafoe F.
Here, too, we have a one-sided match in my opinion. Despite Tiafoe coming from a terrible period where he can't win a match, he is very comfortable on this surface due to the incredible spin he imparts on the ball in every situation. Considering also the fact that he cannot afford to drop any more points and is defending the title here. As for his opponent, he won against a much weaker opponent than the American, struggling, and especially taking advantage of the many gifted points, which will not happen today.
Etcheverry T.M. vs. Galan D.E.
Etcheverry, like every Argentine, is a specialist and feels very comfortable on these courts, with trajectories, rotations, and handling of top moments being his strengths. However, the uncertainty remains about his physical condition since he is returning from an injury. Galan, on the other hand, is very good, not at the opponent's level, but has already tested the courts by playing and winning against Benoit Paire in straight sets yesterday. I think it could be a great match, maybe concluding in the third set.
Mmoh M. vs. Purcell M.
Both players are far from experienced on these courts, coming off two unexpected victories, so I'll base my predictions on the impressions they gave me on the court. Mmoh seemed very focused and concentrated, dominating practically every service game and often attacking in response, which could be advantageous against Purcell, who has low first serve percentages. Purcell, on the other hand, when he gets his first serves in, immediately turns defensive points into offensive volleys, which is his best shot. There could be a match, but I see the American as the favorite.