Tennis action descends on Antwerp for the 2021 edition of the ATP Antwerp European Open and there is a pretty competitive draw in Belgium. There are just three matches on day one, but as always we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for all three matches. Who will reach the second round?
ATP Antwerp Day 1 Predictions
Federico Delbonis vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Delbonis 0-1 Rinderknech
Federico Delbonis has failed to win a main draw match for quite some time so trying to turn that rough patch of form will be no easy task. Particularly as he opens his campaign against a player who’s already beaten him this year and the fast indoor courts at the ATP Antwerp European Open aren’t exactly going to play to the Argentinian’s strengths. Arthur Rinderknech, in contrast, has had a solid year and Antwerp should be a place where the Frenchman can play his best tennis. Expect Rinderknech to get his week off to a good start here.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 2
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Alexei Popyrin vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: first meeting
This should be an interesting matchup. Alexei Popyrin won his first career title this year and the young Australian is certainly one of the cleanest stroke makers on the ATP Tour. He starts his campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp who is putting together an excellent end to the year after reaching the US Open quarterfinals.
The Dutchman failed to back up his stellar performance in New York in Indian Wells, but if he’s able to play at the level he’s shown he can reach then van de Zandschulp can be very dangerous for just about anyone. Expect an enthralling clash between the two, but for van de Zandschulp to just eke this one out.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 3
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Richard Gasquet vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: Lajovic 1-0 Gasquet
Dusan Lajovic enters this match in no sort of form at all. The Serbian will be desperate to get some match wins as a result, but it’s not necessarily going to be an easy task getting one against an experienced campaigner in Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman has only played Challenger events since the US Open with mixed results. Everything points towards this match being a long, drawn out affair. Expect a lot of service breaks throughout the match, but given Lajovic’s woeful form, Gasquet should be the one getting the win.
Prediction: Gasquet in 3
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