Day 2 Barcelona Predictions | Thebigtip

Another big day in Barcelona, the headline acts being talented Spaniard Nicolas Almagro and Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko. Here are the Day 2 selections with tennis betting guru Mark Skendaris aka TennisMan.

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Kei Nishikori (JPN) (1.45) vs Pere Riba (ESP) (2.75)

An interesting match to open proceedings in Barca. Nishikori finally looks to have overcome all his injury worries and looks set for a big year. A run all the way to the final in Houston was impressive and that form should hold up here against Riba. The Spaniard will battle hard and be in the match for a while, but the young Japanese star will get the victory.

Xavier Malisse (BEL) (2.35) vs Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) (1.60)

Ferrero returns to the tour after having serious wrist and knee injuries. This match up looks a good one for him as the ‘X Man’ looks to be in a mini form slump. He was slammed by Montanes in Monte Carlo last week and a hungry Ferrero will want to impress on home soil, so the ‘Mosquito’ looks the likely victor.

[8] Niclos Almagro (ESP) (1.42) vs Pablo Andujar (ESP) (2.85)

I like Almagro in this all Spanish affair. The world No. 11 has started the clay season sluggishly, but I think he will defeat Andujar here. ‘Nico’ will not want to take his countryman lightly and he should enter round three with a strong win.

Robin Haase (NED) (2.40) vs [7] Gael Monfils (FRA) (1.57)

Haase was clinical yesterday against Cipolla, but this is a tougher ask. Monfils was surprisingly taken out by Gil last week in Monte Carlo, but this match up suits him. Haase will struggle with the Frenchman’s superior movement around the baseline and be frustrated into a loss. Monfils into the third round.

Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) (2.10) vs [10] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) (1.73)

A first career meeting and it should be an exciting match. Davydenko is struggling in 2011, going 6-8. Dolgopolov is not travelling much better, being thumped by the erratic Gulbis last week. Since his Australian Open run he has battled and clay isn’t his most favoured surface. I think the 29-year-old Russian can turn his form around and grind out a tough win.

Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP) (2.30) vs Potito Starace (ITA) (1.62)

Starace made the Casablanca final earlier this month so his form is good. Gimeno-Traver is your typical Spaniard, we only hear of him in these few months of the year, picking up the odd victory. I think he can claim the win here over the Italian, home court being a big advantage. If Starace falls behind, look for the Spaniard to pounce and enter round two with a strong win.