Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Jakub Mensik

Thursday's ATP Auckland action features an intriguing second-round clash between Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Jakub Mensik. The odds, with Mensik priced at 1.61 and Mpetshi Perricard at 2.27, suggest the Czech teenager enters as the slight favorite. This will be their first career meeting, offering a compelling contrast between Mensik's powerful baseline game and the Frenchman's formidable serve-and-volley approach.

Both players are coming off straight-sets victories in the opening round, building confidence on these courts. Mensik, who reached the final in Winston-Salem last year, will look to use his aggressive groundstrokes to control rallies. Mpetshi Perricard, known for his huge serve, will aim to dictate play with his net-rushing tactics. The match could hinge on which player more effectively imposes their preferred style of play.