Alexander Zverev hasn’t played in South America frequently, most recently featuring in Germany’s tie against Brazil in 2022. He is making his first ATP Rio Open appearance as the top seed and is coming up against Bu Yunchaokete in the Chinese player’s first tour-level match on clay. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?

ATP Rio Day 2 Predictions

Mariano Navone vs Roberto Carballes Baena

Head-to-head: Carballes Baena 1-0

Yes, it was fun watching Mariano Navone trying to figure out his grass and hardcourt game in the latter half of last season. But it’s also great to see the Argentinian back in his natural habitat, once again out rallying opponents with his sensational point construction and angle play. This won’t be that easy, though, with Roberto Carballes Baena more than capable of sticking around in a clay battle. But Navone looked really strong last week and should be a small favorite here.
Prediction: Navone in 3

Dusan Lajovic vs Damir Dzumhur

Head-to-head: Lajovic 1-0

Dusan Lajovic is the only player who has appeared in all eleven editions of the tournament in Rio, and his Golden Swing performances have been strong in recent years. Last week he was unfortunate to run into Alexander Zverev in the second round in Buenos Aires. This should be a good battle, but the Serbian seems like the more reliable player right now. For some reason, Damir Dzumhur hasn’t been living up to his 2024 Challenger form whenever he is competing on the main tour.
Prediction: Lajovic in 3

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Alexander Zverev vs Bu Yunchaokete

Head-to-head: First meeting

The jury is still out on Alexander Zverev playing the Golden Swing for the first time. The German loves a heavy schedule, but his motivation certainly didn’t seem at its highest when facing adversity against Francisco Cerundolo in Buenos Aires last week. Nonetheless, it will still take a standout performance to eliminate him. Bu Yunchaokete is hardly a clay-courter, and while his physicality is an asset, it won’t be enough to eliminate someone like Zverev in these conditions.
Prediction: Zverev in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports