There is a huge amount to play for in the final of the ATP 500 event in Basel. Recent Shanghai Masters champion Hubert Hurkacz is among those in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals. The Pole will give himself a great chance of qualifying with a title win in Basel. Defending Basel champion Felix Auger-Aliassime is not one of the players with a chance of appearing at the ATP Finals, but a title would mean a huge amount to the Canadian after a torrid season. We at LWOT provide our prediction and analysis for the final in this article. But who do you think will win the title in Basel?
ATP Basel Final Prediction
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Auger-Aliassime 2-1 Hurkacz
The Felix Auger-Aliassime of 2022 has finally returned. There were some cautiously optimistic signs during his run to the quarterfinal in Tokyo, but his tennis this week is unrecognizable compared to his level throughout the rest of 2023. Auger-Aliassime’s semifinal performance against Holger Rune stands out the most this week. He swept aside the Dane easily with the power of his shots and harmed Rune’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in the process.
Hurkacz’s route to the final is what would be expected from the big-serving Pole. There was a tiebreak in three out of his four matches and his quarterfinal and semifinal matches were both close battles. However, Hurkacz held his nerve very well as he so often does in those situations to reach the final in Basel.
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This final is likely to be decided by very fine margins. Both players have similar serve-and-forehand styles. Hurkacz’s serve is slightly the better of the two, while Auger-Aliassime has the edge on the forehand when he is hitting it well. There is unlikely to be many break points and both players will need to be clinical when they get chances. Hurkacz has undoubtedly played the better tennis throughout the season and will feel rightfully confident of winning.
Yet Auger-Aliassime gets the edge in the Basel Open His overall season has been underwhelming, but this is still the man that won three consecutive indoor titles last year, including that triumph in Basel. At his best, he is a slightly better indoor player than Hurkacz. The Canadian was at his best against Rune and I expect him to deliver in the final. Not having the pressure of playing for a place at the ATP Finals may also help him.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Main Photo: Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
