With this being the last regular ATP week of the season, the race to Turin is by far the most important thing going on, but even aside from that these tournaments provide an excellent opportunity for lower ranked players to get a rare deep run or even a title. As should be expected, Metz is full of French players, all of them aiming for a title on home soil to end the season in the best possible way.
ATP Metz Day 2 Predictions
Alexander Shevchenko vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-head: Struff 1-0 Shevchenko
Shevchenko has had a solid 2024 but hasn’t really made a significant breakthrough, while, despite his age, Struff remains a mainstay at ATP level. He should still have the edge in this matchup at this point in their respective career, even if it is likely to be closer than when the pair faced at last year’s Australian Open qualifying.
Prediction: Stuff in 3
Quentin Halys vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Halys 1-1 Rinderknech
Rinderknech had a great week in Paris, coming really close a top 10 win over Dimitrov, and seems to be the clear better player of the two at the moment. Halys did well in qualifying here, but has generally been struggling and only barely hanging on to a top 100 ranking. Given their current level and form, Rinderknech should be able to pull through here.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-head: Norrie 1-1 Carballes Baena
Norrie has had a really rough year, with a massive drop down the rankings, and this is his last chance to salvage something from 2024 and gain some confidence ahead of the new season. On paper, Carballes Baena on an indoor hard court is about the best draw he could possibly hope for and he should be able to at least snap his current four match losing streak.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Romance/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
