Two left-handers and a nice surprise.

Everyone was mostly expecting Tiafoe in this section of the draw, but it’s actually Atmane or Tabilo who’s going to make it through to the quarters of this ATP 500.

The fourth time was the charm for Terence Atmane, who finally managed to beat Tiafoe. The Frenchman was close to the American every time, but failed to finish and to sustain his level. This time, he went all the way and can dream of a great week, given that the draw has opened up a bit. In the past, he has already produced good results in the United States, and the conditions this week are perfect for his game, in my opinion. The speed of the courts and the bounce in particular suit his qualities. On top of that, with a solid first-round win and two days of rest, I’m expecting a particularly sharp Atmane.

Tabilo was also a surprise in the first round, given his fairly average level in recent weeks and the surface transition he had to deal with. He wasn’t the favorite against Griekspoor, but he played a complete, high-level match. That’s surprising considering his recent performances. He’s a player who is mentally and physically strange; he can have complete off days, but when everything clicks, he plays well and fast conditions benefit his game. He also had the support of a few ultras who came from Chile in the first round. In this part of the world, that’s the norm for South American players, who can count on diehards to spur them on. In other words, we should see a motivated and in-form Tabilo coming off a big performance. Two players who are in good form and playing well.

We’ve got a lefty-versus-lefty duel ahead of us, and it will be their first meeting. We have two players who know how to capitalize on their serve and should be hard to break. I liked Tabilo’s performance, but I have to say that Griekspoor was not motivated at all and absolutely dreadful on return, which is a bit less the case with Atmane, whom I rate well above the Dutchman in terms of level, motivation, and potential as well. In other words, for me the Frenchman is a much tougher challenge than what Tabilo faced in his first round, and this time, it might just be a bit too much for him.