It’s not been too long since the whole tennis world was fixated at the grass courts of Wimbledon. The ATP Tour now descends to Gstaad for the Swiss Open, which counts Roger Federer as one of its past champions. While big names have mostly chosen not to participate this year, it’s still an opportunity to pick up important ranking points before the North American hard-court swing. Defending champion Matteo Berrettini withdrew from this year’s Swiss Open, but it remains an extremely competitive field. The Swiss Open marks the last of the clay-court tournaments with only Kitzbuhel to follow. Here’s previewing and predicting four matches on Day 1 of the Swiss Open.
ATP Swiss Open Day 1 Predictions
Corentin Moutet vs Cedrik-Marcel Stebe
Head to head – First Meeting
Corentin Moutet would enjoy playing at Gstaad since clay is where his best results have come. He made headwinds at the French Open, reaching the third round, and played exceedingly well at Wimbledon too. Still, at a tender age of 20, he has a long way to go but many see a lot of potential in the 81st ranked Frenchman. His opponent is Cedrik-Marcel Stebe whom he has never played before but will fancy his chances. Moutet’s game is well suited for clay and a strong start may well make people notice his talent.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Pablo Andujar vs Dennis Novak
Head to head – First Meeting
2014 Champion Pablo Andujar seeks better results from his best surface. Having lost in the first round at Umag, he’d be looking for a different result when he takes on qualifier Dennis Novak. The Spaniard now 33 years old is a testament of sheer willpower to make his way back to the top 100 after numerous surgeries. Novak had a decent run to the round of 16 at Bastad last week where he lost to Gasquet in three sets. Both players prefer the baseline but expect Andujar’s superior clay court prowess to get the better of Novak.
Prediction: Andujar in 3
Jiri Vesely vs Ernests Gulbis
Head to head – Vesely 2-0 Gulbis
While clay probably suits Ernests Gulbis, the tall Czech Jiri Vesely can easily hold his own. Neither player has enjoyed a decent 2019 so far. Gulbis is at a dismal 5-14 win-loss record this year and his woes don’t seem to be going away. He had to retire from his first-round match at Bastad against Hugo Dellien. Vesely, on the other hand, will be hoping for a better showing after promising a lot at Wimbledon albeit on grass. Vesely has won both of their encounters including one on clay. Expect him to get by the unpredictable Gulbis.
Prediction: Vesely in 2
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Paolo Lorenzi
Head to head – Carballes Baena 1-1 Lorenzi
The Italian veteran Paolo Lorenzi is now 37 years old and is looking to add to his solitary title at Kitzbuhel three years ago. But to do that he’ll have to go through Carballes Baena, who is no pushover on clay and seeded sixth at Gstaad. They’ve split both of their matches with Carballes Baena winning the recent one at Quito last year. The 26-year-old Spaniard should make his way to the round of 16 without any mishaps.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 2
