The European clay court season continues with three ATP Tour events scheduled for this week. One of them is the 2023 BMW Open in Munich, which features four singles main draw matches on its Monday order of play. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Munich Day 1 Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Giron 2-1
They’ve played each other three times, but never on Roberto Carballes Baena’s favorite surface. The Spaniard recently claimed his 2nd ATP Tour title in Marrakech, defeating Alexandre Muller in the final. Marcos Giron’s win/loss records on the dirt generally leave much to be desired. Last year, the 29-year-old went just 3-9 on clay. As such, Carballes Baena has to be considered the favorite to get the head-to-head back to level terms here.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 2
Flavio Cobolli vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: First meeting
Flavio Cobolli had a couple of very dominant performances in the qualifying, dispatching Zdenek Kolar and Lukas Rosol at the expense of just seven games combined. The level of competition rises here, but in fact, does it? Jordan Thompson usually struggles to produce his best level on clay as it neutralizes his first serve and the ability to grind with chips and taking the ball early. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Italian youngster, but he needs to perform again.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Thiago Monteiro vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: Hanfmann 2-1
Yannick Hanfmann was a quarterfinalist at this event in 2017, but has also fallen in the qualifying plenty of times. Now he had a guaranteed spot in the main draw and has recently impressed by reaching the semifinals in Houston. The German is usually excellent on faster clay courts and while this doesn’t play quite like Kitzbuhel or Gstaad where he’s made ATP Tour finals before, it’s reasonably quick for the dirt and he should also enjoy it more than Thiago Monteiro will.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 3
Marc-Andrea Huesler vs Kyle Edmund
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kyle Edmund’s topspin forehand used to be an insane weapon on clay, once even allowing him to take a set off Rafael Nadal. The Brit is still quite early in his comeback though and even played a 25K ITF in Santa Margherita di Pula last week, winning two solid matches but suffering a shock exit to Pietro Marino. While Marc-Andrea Huesler is out of form and isn’t a player with a consistent gameplan, it would still be the best win for Edmund in years if he found a way to beat him.
Prediction: Huesler in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
