There are lots of intriguing second-round matches being played at the ATP Montreal, National Bank Open as the top players get into action for the first time this week. This article features defending champion and #5 seed Ben Shelton facing off against his compatriot Jenson Brooksby. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
ATP Montreal Day 4 Predictions
Zizou Bergs vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-Head: Bergs 1-0 Baez
Zizou Bergs was unfortunate to face Taylor Fritz in the first round of the DC Open last week because he has been in great form recently. His serve has improved, and with his consistent baseline game, he poses a high level. Sebastian Baez has won a lot of matches on hard courts this season, including wins against some solid players. However, this is still not his best surface, and Bergs should be able to dictate points with his flatter ground strokes. I am leaning towards the Belgian.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-Head: Cerundolo 1-1 Michelsen
Francisco Cerundolo has been very inconsistent this season, with two titles to his name but also many early exits in tournaments. When his forehand-driven game clicks, he is a treat to watch and a nightmare for opponents, but on his off days he can lose to anyone. He certainly can’t afford to be loose at ATP Montreal against a quality player like Alex Michelsen, who has been in excellent form on hard courts recently. Michelsen’s flatter ball and serve could trouble Cerundolo if the Argentine doesn’t find his rhythm early.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Hubert Hurkacz got a good win over Marcos Giron in the first round. He dropped the second set, but overall his level was quite high, and he barely lost points behind his first serve. If he can maintain a high first-serve percentage, he will be difficult to beat. Alejandro Tabilo is coming off a solid run in Washington, where he defeated some high-quality players. However, his lefty serve and forehand angle would not provide a significant challenge to Hurkacz’s excellent backhand, and given the difference in serve quality, I will go with the Polish player.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Ben Shelton vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Ben Shelton made the most of some big players’ absence from last year’s Canadian Open, and he will look to do it once again. However, Shelton has not looked quite at his best this season despite winning three titles. He struggled last week in all three of his matches, and Jenson Brooksby will be another difficult challenge. Brooksby’s unorthodox tennis can disrupt big hitters and force errors. The defending champion will have to be locked in to win this.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
