The indoor hardcourt season is upon us with players still looking to end this year on a high. The ATP action moves to Metz, France with a jam packed draw bound to produce scintillating tennis throughout the week. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all four scheduled Round of 32 matches for you.
ATP Metz Day 2 Predictions
Jaume Munar vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head to head – First Meeting
Both players have had similar seasons this year and that’s why they aren’t separated by much in the rankings. Jaume Munar is still pretty young but he is yet to have a breakout tournament many foresaw. Arthur Rinderknech plays a flat game style which may suit him more at the courts in Metz. Expect a seesaw battle with the Frenchman banking on home support to get the win.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head to head – First Meeting
Jiri Lehecka is another rising star in the world of tennis as he finds himself navigating his way upwards through the rankings. This week does provide an opportunity for the young Czech to grab eyeballs but it won’t be easy as his opening round match is against a fellow young player Emil Ruusuvuori who is slightly more experienced. Expect the hard hitting Finn to dominate the baseline rallies and wrestle control of the match.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 2
Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Zizou Bergs
Head to head – First Meeting
It’s not been a particularly good year for Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili. He still finds himself at a decent ranking of 36 but he’s better than that at his peak. Zizou Bergs hasn’t played many main draw matches this year and since this is their first meeting, the Belgian can surprise the Georgian initially. Expect Basilashvili to make a slow start but to eventually settle into the match and find his range.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
David Goffin vs Gilles Simon
Head to head – Goffin 3-2 Simon
It has been a tremendous joy to watch Gilles Simon over the years and it’s sad news for tennis that this year is going to be his last on the tour. Expect a decent amount of home support for the retiring Frenchman and that may very well motivate him to give his absolute best. That being said, David Goffin has beaten him on both occasions on indoor hard courts and it’ll be a tough ask for Simon to win this. Expect an emotional match with Goffin just edging out this one in what could be the final match on the ATP Tour for Simon.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
