The clay court season is still in full flow with the action continuing in Kitzbuhel, Austria. The 250 series ATP Kitzbuhel Open 2024 sees a very tight draw with no clear favorite to win the title. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all five Round of 32 clashes scheduled on opening day for you.
ATP Kitzbuhel Day 1 Predictions
Lukas Klein vs Sumit Nagal
Head to head – First Meeting
In the upcoming match between Lukas Klein and Sumit Nagal in Kitzbuhel, Nagal is likely to win a tight encounter due to his superior defensive skills and higher ranking. Nagal, known for his strong baseline game and defensive prowess, often thrives in longer rallies, which could give him an edge in a closely contested match. Additionally, being higher ranked suggests he has more experience and consistency at this level of competition, which might prove crucial in clutch moments.
Prediction: Nagal in 3
Nicolas Moreno De Alboran vs Andrea Collarini
Head to head – First Meeting
Nicolas Moreno De Alboran is likely to win against Andrea Collarini in Kitzbuhel in straight sets. Their recent encounter in the Gstaad qualifiers, where De Alboran won convincingly, indicates he has a clear advantage and familiarity with Collarini’s game. This recent victory suggests De Alboran has the upper hand in terms of form and confidence going into their upcoming match in Kitzbuhel.
Prediction: De Alboran in 2
Yannick Hanfmann vs Jaume Munar
Head to head – Hanfmann 0-1 Munar
The match between Yannick Hanfmann and Jaume Munar in Kitzbuhel is expected to be closely contested. Hanfmann comes into the match in decent form, which could give him a slight edge. However, Munar, despite being slightly out of form recently, has shown resilience and a knack for recovering well on clay surfaces. His previous victory over Hanfmann in Kitzbuhel in 2018 indicates he can perform well on this court. Expect a competitive match with both players fighting hard, potentially extending to three sets, given Munar a slight advantage due to fitness.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Joel Schwaerzler vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head to head – First Meeting
Thiago Seyboth is likely to emerge victorious. Seyboth Wild holds a significant experience advantage over Schwaerzler, who at 18 years old is still acclimatizing to the demands of the main tour. Seyboth Wild, having already tasted success and faced higher-level competition, possesses the maturity and skill set needed to navigate through tough matches like this. His experience should give him the edge in handling the pressure moments and executing his game plan effectively against a younger and less seasoned opponent like Schwaerzler.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 2
Laslo Djere vs Vit Kopriva
Head to head – First Meeting
Djere is a seasoned clay court player, known for his solid performances in 250 series events. His experience and familiarity with the demands of these tournaments often give him an advantage. On the other hand, Kopriva, who hasn’t yet found consistent success on the main tour, faces a tough challenge against Djere’s skill set and track record on clay. Expect Djere to capitalize on his experience and ability to perform under tournament pressure, likely securing a victory in this encounter.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
