It’s the last week of the regular ATP Tour season. The 2023 ATP Moselle Open kicks off its main draw action in Metz with two singles matches on Sunday, along with the final round of qualifying. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?
ATP Metz Day 1 Predictions
Mate Valkusz vs Calvin Hemery
Head-to-head: Hemery 1-0
This is a final round of qualifying with a couple of perennial underachievers in front of a great opportunity in a less competitive ATP 250 week. Calvin Hemery is almost back in the top 200 now, finally finding his peak performances a bit more often. Mate Valkusz keeps struggling with his fitness on an alarmingly frequent basis, but no one can deny his talent when he’s in full flow. The Hungarian can produce some mean early timing, but Hemery’s weaponry and transition game should be very dangerous on these indoor courts.
Prediction: Hemery in 3
Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Arthur Cazaux
Head-to-head: First meeting
Pierre-Hugues Herbert has been mostly disappointing in singles this year, still unable to return to his previous level. He’s coming off a solid run at the Challenger in Bergamo though. He qualified by beating Mark Lajal, won two matches in the main draw, and then went out to lucky loser Lajal in the quarterfinals. It’s not enough to make him the favorite against his talented young compatriot Arthur Cazaux, but it has to be noted that something finally clicked for him and he won’t be easy to beat.
Prediction: Cazaux in 3
Gregoire Barrere vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: Barrere 1-0
Gregoire Barrere has made his name by performing well in indoor events, usually at home as well. This year has been no exception with a Challenger title in Quimper and a main tour quarterfinal in Montpellier. He played and beat Yannick Hanfmann just eight days ago in their only head-to-head meeting so far at the Paris ATP 1000. If anything, it seems like the Metz courts should favor Barrere’s early ball-striking even more. A quarterfinalist at this event in 2019, he might be aiming at another deep run if he plays anywhere close to his best.
Prediction: Barrere in 2
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
