The European Open in Antwerp is one of the three ATP tournaments played this week. This marks the start of the indoor hard courts season in Europe. Antwerp has featured strong draws every year and this year is no exception. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for day 1. But who will advance to the next round?
ATP Antwerp Day 1 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Raphael Collignon
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Marton Fucsovics hasn’t played since getting injured in the first round of the US Open. His season hasn’t been great despite winning a title, especially on hard courts. However, he is a former quarterfinalist in Antwerp and will look to get off to a good start. Raphael Collignon, a local wild card, will play his first main draw match. This will be a big moment for the Belgian and the crowd support should help him. But, Fucsovics is a solid player on these fast courts and if he senses any nerves from his opponent, he will take advantage.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Dominik Koepfer vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head-to-Head: Koepfer 0-1 Carballes Baena
Dominik Koepfer has the chance to get back at Roberto Carballes Baena for a close loss at this year’s Madrid Masters. The German hasn’t played much tennis since the Olympics but these courts should favour his game style. Carballes Baena got two good wins in Shanghai but his win percentage on hard courts is significantly less than Koepfer. I will go with the more solid player on a faster surface.
Prediction: Koepfer in 3
Thiago Monteiro vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Thiago Monteiro was in fantastic form in the European clay courts this year but indoor courts are a completely different space for the Brazilian player. He has played just nine indoor matches in his career but is still much more experienced than his first-round opponent. Mariano Navone will play his first match on indoor hard courts and has just two wins on hard courts in general, both coming in the last two months. Navone will get better on these courts over time, but for now, Monteiro has the advantage.
Prediction: Monteiro in 3
Richard Gasquet vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Richard Gasquet announced that he will retire following the French Open next year. He was handed a wild card to the European Open this week and he deserves it. Gasquet is a former champion here and also a two-time semifinalist. He will look to get some match wins under his belt but faces a stern test in the opening round. Tomas Martin Etcheverry has played some great tennis recently and was the only player to take a set of Jannik Sinner in Shanghai. Gasquet can still be potent on fast surfaces with his great timing and ability to take the ball early, but his confidence isn’t great at the moment with just three tour-level wins this season.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun/USAToday Sports
