As the 2022 ATP season winds down we have some players looking to make a push for ATP Finals qualification while most are just looking to end their season with some momentum-building results. The ATP Antwerp Open is filled with both of the aforementioned types of players as a star-studded field has gathered in Antwerp. Day two action consists of six intriguing first-round matches and as always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for every match around the grounds in Antwerp, including Marc-Andrea Huesler vs Francisco Cerundolo. But who will advance?
ATP Antwerp Day 2 Predictions
Tim van Rijthoven vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: first meeting
Qualifier Tim van Rijthoven will square off against Spaniard Jaume Munar in the first round at the ATP Antwerp Open. It will be the first meeting between the 25-year-olds. Van Rijthoven is looking to cap off what has been a breakout 2022 season. The Dutchman won his maiden title as a wildcard in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and followed that up with a run to the round of 16 at Wimbledon. With that said, Van Rijthoven is 1-4 in his five other tour-level main draw matches this season. Munar, who is known for his prowess on the clay, is looking to improve his 9-24 career record on indoor hard courts. This match may well go the distance, but the Dutchman’s comfort on this surface should give him the edge. He is 39-19 on indoor hard courts at all levels over the past two seasons.
Prediction: van Rijthoven in 3
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Yoshihito Nishioka vs Luca van Assche
Head-to-head: first meeting
Eighth seed Yoshihito Nishioka will square off against qualifier Luca van Assche in the first round of the European Open. Nishioka currently holds a career-high ranking of World No. 39. The lefty won the title in Seoul a few weeks back, knocking off Casper Ruud, Denis Shapovalov, and Dan Evans along the way. Van Assche is an 18-year-old Frenchman who advanced his way through two qualifying rounds to enter this main draw.
Both of his qualifying matches were brutal three-setters, and he deserves great credit for hanging tough to dig out two wins and earn the right to play his first singles match in an ATP main draw. Unfortunately for him, it is hard to see it going well for him. Nishioka’s consistent style of tennis is tough for anyone to face, let alone an 18-year-old. The Frenchman may show some moments of brilliance, but ultimately the consistency and speed of Nishioka will almost certainly win out.
Prediction: Nishioka in 2
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David Goffin vs Gilles Arnaud Bailly
Head-to-head: first meeting
Veteran David Goffin is looking to make a run on home soil in his fifth appearance at the European Open. His best previous finish in Antwerp was reaching the semifinals in 2016. Goffin’s first-round opponent is his unheralded countryman Gilles Arnaud Bailly. Bailly, a 17-year-old, received a wildcard entry into this event. He has played in just seven career professional tennis matches. Goffin, who has had somewhat of a revival this season including a run to the last eight at Wimbledon, will not be troubled by anything the younger Belgian throws at him. Expect Goffin to win this match easily, though, he may throw his younger countryman a bone in the shape of a game or two.
Prediction: Goffin in 2
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