An all-French clash headlines Day 1 action at the 2024 ATP Open Parc in Lyon. Alexandre Muller leads the head-to-head over Richard Gasquet 2-0, can the living legend turn it around? Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Lyon Day 1 Predictions
Hugo Gaston vs Pedro Cachin
Head-to-head: Gaston 1-0
This is a final qualifying round match. It was the Pedro Cachin losing streak that got all the media attention (no wins from October to April), but Hugo Gaston has actually been on a similar run of late. Beating Guido Andreozzi on Saturday was just the second win the Frenchman posted since Rotterdam. He dominated Cachin a couple of years ago at Roland Garros and can definitely expose his somewhat crude aggressive game, but he needs to be on mentally and that’s never a given with Gaston.
Prediction: Cachin in 3
Aleksandar Vukic vs Mackenzie McDonald
Head-to-head: McDonald 1-0
Mackenzie McDonald is yet to win a match this year, but that’s not as scary as it might seem as he was out between the Australian Open and Rome. It’s not going to be easy on clay where he’s lost nine consecutive matches dating back to the 2022 French Open. This is a pretty nice opportunity as Aleksandar Vukic is also struggling with his form. But of the two it’s actually the Australian who seems like the better clay-courter and his regular ball has a lot more shape than he’s usually given credit for.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Alexandre Muller vs Richard Gasquet
Head-to-head: Muller 2-0
This will likely be Richard Gasquet’s final season, unless he can really turn things around. Alexandre Muller is an opponent he’s played twice the last couple of seasons and didn’t come close to beating him. His compatriot knows how to make the match physical and that’s something the former World No. 7 can’t handle right now. Especially with Muller coming off a confidence-building Rome run, this won’t be easy for the veteran. He’ll need some pure old-school magic to get this done.
Prediction: Muller in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
