ATP Tour tennis returns to Bucharest after eight years with the Tiriac Open. Four singles main draw matches have been scheduled for Monday with the highlight in the evening session being the clash of Richard Gasquet and Federico Coria. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Bucharest Day 1 Predictions
Luca Nardi vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: First meeting
Can Thiago Seyboth Wild keep up his brilliant Sunshine Double form? The Brazilian made a big hard-court leap in Indian Wells and Miami, making sure that he’ll avoid any potential issues with his ranking dropping (at least for now). Against Luca Nardi on clay, this is likely a matchup he should be dictating play in. He’s got the bigger weapons and as long as he can keep the ball within the tramlines, it could be tough for the opponent to fight back.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3
Luciano Darderi vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: Darderi 2-1
This South American classic is now moving to Europe, although the last time they played it definitely wasn’t a thrilling match (a 6-2 6-1 win for Luciano Darderi in Buenos Aires). Their battles at the tail end of last year were a lot more exciting though and hopefully we’ll get another one of these here. Both players made an ATP Tour semifinal two weeks ago and are showing their Golden Swing success wasn’t an accident. Navone’s tennis seems a slightly better fit for the conditions in Bucharest, but it should be close.
Prediction: Navone in 3
Hugo Gaston vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Gaston 2-0
Hugo Gaston has now lost six matches in a row, but this one might not be the worst moment for him to possibly bounce back. He defeated Arthur Rinderknech twice indoors, theoretically in conditions that should be much more suitable for the older Frenchman. Gaston is a player who can turn it on at any time, but also rarely achieves much consistency with his unique dropshot-heavy style. Maybe it will actually be clay where Rinderknech beats him for the first time, having more time to set up his attacking combinations with patience.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Richard Gasquet vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: Coria 1-0
Richard Gasquet has a little bit of game left; it’s the physicality that’s more concerning, though. And he’s facing a player here who certainly doesn’t lack anything in that aspect of the sport. Federico Coria loves extended rallies and grinding his opponents down until there’s no tomorrow. He already did that to the former World No. 7 in Marrakech two years ago and should also like his chances here as long as he doesn’t let Gasquet have too much fun with his stunning one-hander.
Prediction: Coria in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
