Ben Shelton begins his European indoor hardcourt season on Day 2 at the ATP 500 in Basel. His match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry is one of seven scheduled. We at LWOT predict all the action here and in a separate article, including Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Francisco Cerundolo. But which players do you think will win?
ATP Basel Day 2 Predictions
Tallon Griekspoor vs Dominic Stricker
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both men lost to Grigor Dimitrov, the eventual runner-up, at the Stockholm Open last week. Stricker fell in the quarterfinal, while Griekspoor was narrowly defeated in the semifinal. Stricker will be dangerous if his powerful forehand is firing as it did for long spells in Stockholm last week. However, Griekspoor possesses the more complete game, and his consistency and craftiness make him the favorite to progress.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Holger Rune vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a very awkward first-round matchup for Rune, who played at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia last week. Jarry’s huge serve means fine margins often decide his matches. Rune has also been prone to lapses in concentration this year, which could be fatal in what might be a tight battle against the Chilean. That might help Jarry add further misery to Rune’s difficult 2024 season.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Ben Shelton vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-head: Shelton 2-0 Etcheverry
Shelton has beaten Etcheverry twice this year, but both matches went to a deciding set. The Argentine was caught cold by Roberto Bautista Agut at the European Open last week, who went on to have a surprising run to the title. Shelton’s game should be a perfect fit for indoor conditions, but he might be rusty after playing at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown last week instead of at an indoor hardcourt tournament. Nonetheless, the American is better suited to the conditions in Basel, and he could prevail more comfortably than their previous meetings.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
