Bu vs Sonego

🎾 Bu vs Sonego – Toronto R2 Preview

🧠 Form & Context

• Bu Yunchaokete
  🔄 Inconsistent season: Holds a negative 14–22 W–L in 2025, arriving in North America on a six-match losing streak.
  🚧 Masters ceiling: Has never gone beyond R2 at a Masters; this is his first Toronto appearance.
  💥 Need for breakthrough: Converted early promise into R1 win over Kopřiva (7–6, 6–2); now aims to finally clear the second-round hurdle.
• Lorenzo Sonego
  🎖️ Seeded status: Ranked No. 38, earned a first-round bye, reflecting his higher standing.
  📈 Grand Slam highlights: Quarterfinals at the AO and R16 at Wimbledon account for half his 14 wins this year.
  ❌ Toronto hoodoo: Yet to win a match here in 2021 or 2023; hunting his first-ever victory at this event.

🔍 Match Breakdown

• 🎾 Baseline battle: Bu’s flat strokes vs Sonego’s heavy one-handed backhand—depth and spin will dictate control.
• ⚡ Serve showdown: Sonego’s big lefty serve can earn free points; Bu must capitalize on return games early.
• 🏃 Movement clash: Bu’s court coverage vs Sonego’s agility—long rallies favor the fresher legs, but both excel in retrieving.
• 🧠 Mental edge: Both need a confidence boost; Sonego’s bye and seeded status give him slight comfort, while Bu rides momentum from his R1 win.

🔮 Prediction

Sonego should take advantage of his bye, serve strength, and experience in tight matches. Still, Bu’s fight and form from R1 could drag this out.
Predicted Score: Sonego def. Bu 7–5, 3–6, 6–3