The countdown to the Olympics tennis tournament has begun. The ATP 250 in Gstaad is a perfect opportunity for the ATP stars looking to refine their clay-court game before heading to Paris. One of those will be Stan Wawrinka, who has a tricky opening match. So, who will reach the second round? We also predict the rest of Tuesday’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Gstaad Day 2 Predictions
Richard Gasquet vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a quiet first half of the season, Quentin Halys has restored the confidence that once took him on the cusp of a Top 50 breakthrough. The big-serving Frenchman’s lack of wins between March and April cost him dearly. He defended plenty of points in that time and his ranking fell outside the Top 200.
Halys’ ranking is now on an upward trajectory after a third-round finish at Wimbledon as a qualifier. He found himself in the qualifying draw again in Gstaad and navigated his way into the main draw. Countryman Richard Gasquet is no longer the force he was once. He has lost his last two matches against players ranked outside the Top 100. Halys is playing better tennis than his current ranking and should be too powerful for the declining one-hander.
Prediction: Halys in 2
Gustavo Heide vs Stefano Napolitano
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is turning out to be a breakthrough year for Brazilian men’s tennis. Joao Fonseca made waves during the 2024 Rio Open back in February. His more experienced and older countryman Gustavo Heide, who is only 22, is also making his mark on the Challenger Tour, taking home his first career title at that level in Asunscion (incidentally beating Fonseca in the final). With the exception of Wimbledon qualifying, Heide has played clay-court tennis all season. I’ll have him as the slight favorite in a winnable matchup.
Prediction: Heide in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Lukas Klein
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a 10-year absence, Wawrinka made an emotional return at his home event last season. However, his stay was short-lived, losing in the second round. This year, he arrives in Gstaad in dire form, with just five wins all season. His ranking is now in three digits. Lukas Klein has plenty of potential with his baseline game and is gritty. He’ll fancy his chance against the aging and out-of-form Swiss, but maybe there is still some magic from the former Roland Garros champion for one last hurrah.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
