We've got three picks from the second round at the Libema Open in 's-Hertogenbosch, and there's at least one result here that I think is going to raise some eyebrows. Grass always shakes things up early in the season and this draw is no exception.
Libema Open Predictions
Nuno Borges vs Marin Cilic
Head-to-head: Borges 1-1 Cilic
The H2H is level but that doesn't tell the full story. Cilic on grass is a completely different animal from Cilic on any other surface, and 's-Hertogenbosch is basically a home tournament for him at this point in his career. The big serve, the flat groundstrokes, the confidence that comes from knowing this surface suits every part of his game, it all clicks here in a way it just doesn't elsewhere.
Borges has had a decent year and he's no pushover, but he hasn't shown much on grass yet and facing a motivated Cilic at this venue feels like a tough ask. Cilic wins this one, though it likely goes three.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Gabriel Diallo vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mannarino is a tricky opponent on any surface, and his low, sliding ball can be annoying even on grass. But Diallo's serve is a genuine problem for anyone at this level, and on a fast surface that weapon only gets bigger. Tall servers tend to thrive here and Diallo fits that profile well.
I feel like this one goes the distance, but Diallo's serve bails him out in the tight moments and should have enough on this surface, all things considered.
Prediction: Diallo in 3
Jaume Antoni Munar Clar vs Martin Damm
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is the pick that stands out. Munar is the higher-ranked player and has been more consistent across the season, but grass is a real leveler and Damm is a serve-and-volley type who's much more dangerous on this surface than his ranking suggests. At 's-Hertogenbosch, that style gets rewarded.
Munar's clay-court game doesn't translate especially well to fast grass and Damm, who has looked sharp in practice this week, should be able to use the conditions to keep this uncomfortable throughout. That said, backing the upset here means trusting a surface that has a way of making these calls look foolish by the end of the first set.
Prediction: Damm in 3
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