Day 1 at the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season will feature plenty of exciting action, with plenty of Turin hopefuls starting their campaign, including race #9 Taylor Fritz, who needs to win to keep his hopes alive. Bercy has long been known for surprise runs and unexpected champions. We should have a very interesting week of tennis ahead. But who will advance at ATP Paris Bercy?
ATP Paris Bercy Day 1 Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut 1-0 Lehecka
Roberto Bautista Agut had a really rough season, with disappointing results and physical issues. This is his last chance to do something significant in 2023. Lehecka, on the other hand, has had a breakthrough season and is looking to end the year well and secure a year-end top-30 finish. At this point in their respective careers, Lehecka should have a very clear edge and make it through here.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexander Bublik
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-1 Bublik
Tiafoe has had a solid year but has not really challenged for the biggest trophies as many thought after his 2022 US Open run. He’s still a somewhat inconsistent player, capable of the best and the worst, but still steadier than Bublik, who’s just about the most unpredictable player around. Tiafoe has a slight edge at ATP Paris Bercy.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
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Jordan Thompson vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Nishioka 4-1 Thompson
Both players had to play in qualifying, with Nishioka making it through and Thompson getting into the main draw as a lucky loser. Both players are roughly at the same level, and it should be a very tightly contested match. Both had some noteworthy results recently, with Nishioka reaching the final in Zhuhai and Thompson beating Zverev in Tokyo, but also a lot of disappointing performances.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Taylor Fritz vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: Fritz 2-0 Baez
Fritz needs to reach at least the semifinals here to have any chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. This first-round match shouldn’t, on paper, be a huge obstacle. Baez has only won five combined games in the previous four sets the pair have played. On hard court, Fritz should have a very clear edge and overpower Baez with his serve and powerful groundstrokes.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Yannick Peterhans – USA TODAY Sports
