The ATP Tour is on the home stretch but there is still plenty to play for. Three tournaments remain before the ATP Finals get underway, and ATP Swiss Indoors Basel is one of those three. Headlining the draw are the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud and Alcaraz. Joining them are several players still in with a chance of making the ATP Finals in Turin. However, this is a deep draw and the road to the finals won’t be easy for anyone. With that in mind, let’s get stuck into our predictions for the four matches taking place on Monday.
ATP Swiss Indoors Basel Day 1 Predictions
David Goffin vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
David Goffin looks the clear favourite hear. Brandon Nakashima is a talented young player who is very solid. However, the American doesn’t possess an obvious weapon in his arsenal. In that sense, he is much like Goffin but with far less experience on the tour. The Belgian has shown in recent months that he still has his best tennis in him, and that level is enough to challenge the very best in the men’s game. I expect this to be a close battle with lots of good tennis on display. However, I think Goffin’s experience wins out in the end and he moves on to the second round.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Aslan Karatsev
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Bublik
Alexander Bublik continues to be a mercurial and divisive figure on the ATP Tour. Much like Nick Kyrgios, the Kazakh has talent in bunches but doesn’t always fully commit to the game. His serve is a real weapon and he has immense variety and power. However, he will need to be focused here as Aslan Karatsev is more than capable of stealing this match if he isn’t. The Russian has had a much quieter year in 2022, but has kept a place inside the top 50 in the men’s game. He is also very dangerous off the ground and that should make for a great match here. Expect lots of shot-making and short points, with Bublik edging it behind the free points he will win on serve.
Prediction: Bublik in 2
Marin Cilic vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: 1- 0 Cilic
Marin Cilic is one of several men still in with a real chance of making the ATP Finals this year. He needs deep runs here and in Paris to make that happen which is more than possible given his recent form. His opponent here is Arthur Rinderknech, a talented Frenchman who has enjoyed a stellar year. Rinderknech has played the best tennis of his life over the last two years or so. He will also be pushing hard to finish inside the top 50 for the first time in his career. Both players are in decent form and have motive to push hard for the win. However, Cilic’s serve is a weapon that can’t be ignored here. I expect he will move on in this one.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jack Draper looks set to make a very good showing at the ATP Next Gen Finals next month. Amazingly enough, his opponent could be playing as well were he not the world #1 and top seed for the ATP Finals already. Such has been the meteoric rise for Alcaraz in the last 12 months. The Spaniard is a Grand Slam champion, the best player in men’s tennis according to the rankings and is set to make his debut in the ATP Finals at just 19 years old. Draper is a bright young talent who may well reach some of those heights one day. However, he can’t live with Alcaraz at his best. The Spaniard will be looking for redemption after an early exit in Astana. As such, expect him to bring it here and win this one without too many problems.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
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