Netherlands takes on Slovakia in an indoor Davis Cup tie in Groningen. Will the Dutchmen be hurt by Botic van de Zandschulp’s injury or is Tim van Rijthoven actually the better choice for singles under the roof? Which country do you think will advance?
Davis Cup Predictions: Netherlands vs Slovakia
Tallon Griekspoor vs Lukas Klein
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 1-0
In his late 2022 form, Lukas Klein would be a very live underdog in this one. However, the Slovakian has really struggled to get going this year and still hasn’t posted a win. Talking Griekspoor, meanwhile, is simply flying with a maiden ATP Tour title in Pune and a great showing at the Australian Open (lost to eventual runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round).
Predictions: Griekspoor in 3
Tim van Rijthoven vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: Molcan 2-0
Tim van Rijthoven hasn’t played since retiring due to back spasms at the Australian Open qualifying event. We don’t have much info on how the courts in Groningen play, but he would definitely like a fast surface here that would let him benefit from his serve. Alex Molcan has been out of form recently (did well at the Australian Open though) and this one seems really open.
Prediction: Molcan in 3
Tim van Rijthoven vs Lukas Klein
Head-to-head: First meeting
With just 22 points to defend until May, Klein needs to get himself together quickly, because the opportunity for a top 100 debut is there for the taking. Will he post his first win of the season here? It’s quite likely with this matchup looking very even. Van Rijthoven on grass and van Rijthoven on other surfaces are two very different players, which is especially visible if you check where he’d be in the rankings without the ‘s-Hertogenbosch points.
Prediction: Klein in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 3-0
Griekspoor owns a dominant head-to-head lead over Molcan, but two of these wins came on grass. However, he also beat him in their only indoor meeting. Looking at how well he’s been playing since the start of the season, it feels very likely that he’ll add another win over the Slovakian to his resume here.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Main Photo:
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