Thu Jan 09 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Upsets Predicted at ATP Auckland Classic as Second Round Begins
**Auckland, New Zealand** – The second round of the ATP ASB Classic in Auckland is set to deliver exciting matchups on Wednesday. Several compelling contests are anticipated, including a potential upset in the top seed’s match.
Top seed and last year’s finalist, Ben Shelton, faces a stern test against Jakub Mensik. While Shelton aims for a strong start to his season, Mensik, already boasting four matches under his belt this year, could exploit any early-season rust from the American. Experts predict a three-set victory for Mensik.
Other notable matches include Nuno Borges against Mariano Navone. Despite Navone’s win over Borges last year on clay, Borges’ superior hard-court record makes him the favorite, although a three-set battle is expected.
Sebastian Baez and Facundo Diaz Acosta, both clay-court specialists, will clash in an all-Argentine affair. While Baez leads their head-to-head, Diaz Acosta’s recent upset of Cameron Norrie suggests a competitive match, with the prediction favoring Diaz Acosta in three sets.
A highly anticipated match sees Gael Monfils, coming off a dramatic first-round comeback, against Jan-Lennard Struff, who displayed impressive form in his opening match. Struff’s strong serve gives him the edge in the experts’ prediction, with a three-set win.
The Auckland Classic quarterfinals promise intriguing matchups after some unexpected results in the early rounds. Several top seeds have fallen, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
First Piper 