Jannik Sinner is the top seed and main title favorite at ATP Rotterdam. Will the 22-year-old hit the tour in stride after his triumph Down Under? The Italian starts his campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp, who coincidentally was also his first opponent in Melbourne. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Rotterdam Day 3 Predictions
Denis Shapovalov vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: 1-1
Gael Monfils can’t be written off just yet, but since the beginning of this season, it seems like he’s declined physically from where he was in Stockholm last year. Is Denis Shapovalov the right player to capitalize on that? Perhaps not, but Flavio Cobolli managed to completely drain the veteran by the third set in Montpellier. Given the Canadian has been picking up rhythm the last few weeks and getting more playtime, he should be considered the favorite here.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Ruusuvuori 4-0
It’s a fascinating head-to-head record, especially when last year Ugo Humbert won the two Challenger 175 titles on clay and kept losing to Emil Ruusuvuori in the meantime. They actually haven’t played on hard courts, but that one match on grass is probably where the Frenchman would have expected himself to prevail. Now he’s coming off the title in Marseille and I’d carefully back him to win this given he should have enough confidence and also enough time to rest since that success.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Roman Safiullin vs Holger Rune
Head-to-head: Rune 1-0
Roman Safiullin has been one of the most dangerous unseeded players in every draw for a while now, although it is a bit surprising we haven’t seen him on the court since the Australian Open. If he’s healthy, he’s got every chance of pushing Holger Rune here. In fact they’ve already played once this year and it was a fairly tight two-set win for the Dane. Let’s say he pulls it off again, but Safiullin has everything necessary to make this one a drag for the No. 3 seed.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Sinner 1-0
Jannik Sinner faced Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round at the Australian Open, and while the Dutchman got defeated in straight sets, in hindsight he might take some positives from that encounter. Will Sinner suffer some of the issues that first-time Grand Slam champions have when it comes to following up their success? Probably not. He wasn’t exactly a random Major winner and is more or less used to the titles and glory by now. He is rightfully one of the title favorites here.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
