First-round action at the ATP European Open in Brussels continues with home favorite Raphael Collignon set to return after an injury absence. Seven matches are scheduled on Day 2, which also includes Jacob Fearnley’s meeting against Hugo Gaston. Who will reach the second round?
ATP Brussels Day 2 Predictions
Nishesh Basavareddy vs Raphael Collignon
Head-to-head: Basavareddy 1-0 Collignon
Nishesh Basavareddy had an exceptional week in qualifying. He did not drop his serve in two matches. Raphael Collignon returns to Brussels as an improved player. Last year, Collignon produced a tremendous run (semifinalist) thanks to wins over Zizou Bergs and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. It will be tough to replicate that run. Playing on home soil adds even more pressure. Moreover, Collignon has been out of form since reaching the Gstaad final and was nursing a knee injury before this tournament.
Prediction: Basavareddy in 2
Mariano Navone vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Navone 4-2 Cerundolo
All six meetings between Mariano Navone and Juan Manuel Cerundolo were contested on clay courts. That said, both players have shown improved form on hard courts in recent months. But it is Navone who has produced stellar results on the surface, including an eye-catching five-set win over Novak Djokovic at the US Open.
Prediction: Navone in 3
Jacob Fearnley vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: first meeting
Despite going into the Olbia Challenger final as the heavy favorite, Jacob Fearnley fell to a shock straight-sets defeat to Damir Dzumhur last weekend. With just a day of rest, Fearnley faces a possible first-round exit in Brussels. Hugo Gaston thrives in these conditions where his forehand creates tricky crosscourt patterns. If Fearnley is a step slow after a long week in Olbia, Gaston should make him pay.
Prediction: Gaston in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
