The final is set at the ATP Stuttgart Open with two-time former champion Matteo Berrettini faces rising British youngster Jack Draper. The 22-year-old is set to become the youngest British #1 since Andy Murray in 2009. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our prediction the final, but who will lift the title in Germany?
ATP Stuttgart Final Prediction
Matteo Berrettini vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s been a mixed season for Berrettini, but one which could still have a silver lining. In as much as the Italian has fared sporadically on tour, largely because of persistent injuries, he’ll be aiming to win his second title of 2024 in just his fourth tournament. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who missed a huge chunk of the first half of the year. His triumphant week on the clay in Marrakech in early April was out of the blue, but there is no luck involved with the way he’s performed at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart. Berrettini narrowly escaped his opening match against Roman Safiullin and has since showcased his grass court pedigree, beating Denis Shapovlaov, James Duckworth, and Lorenzo Musetti without the loss of a set.
Draper can celebrate a landmark week by winning his first ATP title. He’ll become the new British #1 when the ATP rankings are released on Monday, regardless of the result in this final (up to 32nd in the live rankings). He can break the Top 30 if he wins in Stuttgart. Draper’s run has been symbolic of the heavy lifting he’s done throughout his career. He defeated Sebastian Ofner in two tie-break sets in his opener. Then, he overcame each of Marcos Giron and Frances Tiafoe in three sets. His most dominant win was in the semifinal when he eased past Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-3.
It’s a clash between two serving behemoths. You could even argue that the British southpaw might be the bigger and more decisive server this week. Draper racked up a personal best 31 aces in a tour-level match in his quarterfinal win over Tiafoe. His mental strength and endurance have improved considerably since hiring Wayne Ferreira. Ultimately, Berrettini’s adaptability to this surface makes him a better candidate to win this match. His wonderful use of the slice and dexterity at the net should give him just a tiny bit of advantage.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
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