Lucas Pouille

All posts tagged Lucas Pouille

Roger Federer Looks to Keep It Rolling at ATP Halle 500
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The Gerry Weber Open, an ATP 500 event on grass in Halle, Germany is a pivotal warmup on the road to Wimbledon. Here is your look at all the action that is ahead.

Top Half:

Roger Federer should ease past Aljaz Bedene and Benoit Paire/Steve Johnson to reach the quarterfinals. Australia’s Matt Ebden is solid on grass and I have him meeting Federer in the quarters after defeating Malek Jaziri and Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marton Fucsovics. Federer should reach the semis regardless.

Embed from Getty Images

Dominic Thiem, who wants to compete at Wimbledon, should be good enough on grass to defeat Mikhail Youzhny and Max Marterer or Yuichi Sugita to reach the quarters. Lucas Pouille has a tough opening match against Stefanos Tsitsipas but if he wins that he should defeat Denis Kudla/Lukas Lacko and then upset Thiem in the quarters to setup a semi against Federer.

Embed from Getty Images

Bottom Half:

Alexander Zverev faces off with Borna Coric in a highlight worthy round 1 contest the relatively in-form home favorite should see off Coric and countryman Peter Gojowczyk (or Rudolf Molleker) to reach the quarterfinals. Rosmalen champ Richard Gasquet looks set to defeat Florian Mayer and Andreas Seppi/Matteo Berrettini to reach the quarters opposite Zverev, who I’ll back as the favorite.

Embed from Getty Images

With just Matthias Bachinger and Mischa Zverev or Karen Khachanov in his path, Kei Nishikori looks set to reach the quarters and defeat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut at that stage. RBA opens with J.L. Struff, Robin Haase or Joao Sousa will follow.

Embed from Getty Images

Predictions

semis
Federer d. Pouille
Zverev d. Nishikori

Look for Germany’s Zverev to have a nice run at home but Federer should take home the title and retain #1 regardless.

final
Federer d. Zverev

American Sweep and Spanish Triumph at the 2018 Davis Cup Quarterfinals
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Embed from Getty Images

France d. Italy 3-1

Embed from Getty Images

Despite having to play on the road France came away the victor in all but one singles rubber to win 3-1. Lucas Pouille was the national hero with wins over Andreas Seppi and Fabio Fognini to win the tie. His win against Seppi came in 5 sets, while against Fognini he needed 4 sets. Fognini beat Jeremy Chardy in the lone singles win for Italy, while Fognini and Simone Bolelli were trounced by Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in the doubles rubber.

Spain d. Germany 3-2

Embed from Getty Images

Rafael Nadal featured in a big way but David Ferrer emerged the hero as Spain triumphed over Germany 3-2. Nadal didn’t drop a set against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Alexander Zverev, but Germany kept the tie alive thanks to wins by Zverev against Ferrer and Tim Puetz/J.L, Struff over the Lopez brothers in doubles. After Nadal won the stage was set for Kohlschreiber vs. Ferrer to decide the tie. Despite his decline at the ATP level Ferrer grinded away for multiple hours to emerge the victor 7-5 in the 5th set. Neither veteran was poor, but Spain’s hopes remain alive for perhaps a final Davis Cup title for their golden generation.

Croatia d. Kazakhstan 3-1

Embed from Getty Images

Marin Cilic won twice without dropping a set (d. Dmitry Popko and Mikhail Kukushkin), and even though Kukushkin upset Borna Coric on Friday, the doubles win for Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic all but sealed the tie for Croatia as they outmatched Timur Khabibulin and Aleksandr Nedovyesov.

USA d. Belgium 3-0

Embed from Getty Images

Strong play from John Isner and Sam Querrey against Joris De Loore and Ruben Bemelmans setup Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock to close out the tie with a doubles win against Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen. Belgium came into the tie outgunned, and the end result was no surprise as team USA remains a great contender for the 2018 Davis Cup title.

Action outside the World Group

Argentina, Columbia, India, Uzbekistan, Czech Republican, Sweden, Bosnia, and Austria advanced to the World Group Playoffs for 2018. Austria being the biggest surprise of that bunch as Andrey Rublev and Evgeny Donskoy disappointed in a big way at home.

Spain vs. Germany Highlights 2018 Davis Cup Quarterfinal Matchups
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The Davis Cup quarterfinals feature a host of top European sides along with team USA hoping to make it one step further towards the 2018 Davis Cup final. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Italy vs. France

Embed from Getty Images

An experienced Italian side will battle on clay against the title favorites France. Lucas Pouille takes on Andreas Seppi, while Fabio Fognini is slated to face Jeremy Chardy in the opening ties. Those early ties should decide things, while the French have an edge in doubles with Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut opposite Simone Bolelli/Paolo Lorenzi. Italy at home has a chance, but I’ll back a strong French side.

Spain vs. Germany

Embed from Getty Images

On clay in Spain, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer lead the Armada against a strong German side in the tie of the weekend. Alexander Zverev will look to strengthen his credentials as the top player for his country. Philipp Kohlschreiber is also on hand, while the Lopez brothers is set to face Tim Puetz/J.L. Struff in doubles. On clay Nadal and Ferrer should be too tough and Spain looks positioned to advance.

Croatia vs. Kazakhstan

Embed from Getty Images

Marin Cilic and Borna Coric make the home Croatian side favorites on clay against Kazakhstan. The Kazakh’s play strong as a team led by Mikhail Kukushkin, but Dmitry Popko, Timur Khabibulin, and Aleksandr Nedovyesov are simply not strong enough against Cilic and Coric. Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic are on hand for doubles. Croatia should win easily.

USA vs. Belgium

Embed from Getty Images

John Isner and Sam Querrey are on home soil in Nashville on hard courts against a weak Belgian side. Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock are also on hand, while Joris De Loore, Ruben Bemelmans, and Sander Gille/Joran Vliegen counter for Belgium. Anything but a USA sweep would be a shock.

Action Outside of the World Group

Embed from Getty Images

In Europe/Africa Group 1 Jiri Vesely and the Czech Republic takes on Dudi Sela in Israel, the Ymer brothers lead Sweden against Joao Sousa and Portugal, Martin Klizan and Damir Dzumhur feature in the Slovakia vs. Bosnia tie, and a strong Russian side looks to close out Austria with Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev leading the charge.

Colombia vs. Brazil, Indian vs. China, and Argentina vs. Chile also feature, with Diego Schwartzman and Nicolas Jarry squaring off in Argentina on clay.

2018 ATP Indian Wells Preview and Predictions: It’s Roger Federer’s Title to Lose
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells starts off the ATP Masters 1000 season. Roger Federer is the top seed and a heavy favorite. Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori feature in the field, coming back from injuries. Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, and Marin Cilic round out the top 4 seeds. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Federer’s Quarter

The defending champion Roger Federer should face American Ryan Harrison in round 2 (Harrison beating Federico Delbonis round 1). Look for Federer to continue his undefeated season into round 4, as Filip Krajinovic/Benoit Paire/Mitch Krueger should prove no trouble in round 3.

Adrian Mannarino and Fabio Fognini look set to clash in the third round.Mannarino should beat Marius Copil or Peter Polansky, while Fognini should have the edge against Julien Benneteau/Jeremy Chardy. I’ll back Mannarino on a hard court to reach round 4.

Embed from Getty Images

Hyeon Chung has put together a solid 2018 and I’ll back the young Korean to defeat Lukas Lacko/Dusan Lajovic, and then Tomas Berdych in round 3. Berdych will face Ivo Karlovic/Max Marterer in round 2, Chung is playing better than the veteran Czech this year.

Some of tennis rising stars are in section #4 of the draw. Dominic Thiem should face Greek young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas in round 2, while Denis Shapovalov will face Ricardas Berankis, then Pablo Cuevas. Thiem is the strongest in the section and should beat Shapovalov in round 3.

Embed from Getty Images

Dimitrov’s Quarter

Grigor Dimitrov has an outside shot at taking the IW title. The Bulgarian will face a tricky test in Fernando Verdasco in round 2 (or Guido Pella), with Russia’s Andrey Rublev likely in round 3. These matches should challenge Dimitrov but he should prevail. Rublev faces Reilly Opelka/Taylor Fritz in round 2.

Embed from Getty Images

Roberto Bautista Agut won Dubai and should ease past Jared Donaldson/Evan King, and then Borna Coric in the third round. Coric has a relatively smooth path of Donald Young and Albert Ramos to reach round 3.

A struggling Pablo Carreno Busta faces Horacio Zeballos or Yuichi Sugita in round 2. I’ll back Sugita in an upset. Nick Kyrgios should benefit, presuming he can defeat Steve Johnson/Daniil Medvedev in round 2. Kyrgios over Sugita is my pick for the section.

Embed from Getty Images

The red hot Kevin Anderson looks set to defeat Karen Khachanov/Evgeny Donskoy, and then Damir Dzumhur (or Jiri Vesely/Nicolas Kicker) to reach the round of 16.

Zverev’s Quarter

With both Feliciano Lopez and Jack Sock in mediocre form, Frances Tiafoe should benefit. The Delray champ opens with Ernesto Escobedo, Lopez will follow, with Sock likely in round 3 (presuming Sock beats Thomas Fabbiano/Bradley Klahn in round 2). I’ll back the rising Tiafoe to post a great result.

Embed from Getty Images

Lucas Pouille has been fantastic in 2018, he’ll face his countryman Nicolas Mahut or Yuki Bhambri before most likely facing California’s Sam Querrey in round 3. Querrey has struggled in 2018 and has Mikhail Kukushkin/Mischa Zverev first up. I’ll go with Pouille over Querrey in round 3.

Diego Schwartzman and Peter Gojowczyk both posted solid results in recent weeks. Gojo should defeat Denis Istomin then upset Kyle Edmund in round 2. Edmund has not played since being injured in Australia. Schwartzman is my pick over Marcos Baghdatis/Yoshihito Nishioka. I’ll back Schwartzman over Gojowczyk in round 3.

Alexander Zverev opens with Mikhail Youzhny/Joao Sousa, Zverev is a heavy favorite in his section as Milos Raonic has struggled this year and neither Felix Auger-aliassime nor Vasek Pospisil are playing super well right now either. Zverev over Raonic is the pick.

Embed from Getty Images

Cilic’s Quarter

Veterans David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro could face off in round 3. A struggling Ferrer will need to grind past Tennys Sandgren/Nikoloz Basilashvili in round 2. Del Potro must defeat J.L. Struff or Alex De Minaur. Del Potro will be the heavy favorite to reach round 4.

Kei Nishikori will be a heavy favorite against Leonardo Mayer/Victor Estrella, and then he should run into Novak Djokovic. Djokovic returns from injury against Cam Norrie or Taro Daniel. Nishikori is a tougher test and I don’t trust Novak’s fitness right now. Accordingly, I’ll go with Nishikori over Djokovic.

Embed from Getty Images

Gael Monfils opens with Matt Ebden, he should win that and defeat a struggling John Isner to reach round 3. The Pierre-Hugues Herbert/Gilles Simon winner should be favored against a struggling Gilles Muller. Monfils over Simon is my pick in round 3.

Tim Smyczek or Laslo Djere will be first up for Philipp Kohlschreiber. Marin Cilic faces Viktor Troicki/Marton Fucsovics in his first match. Cilic over Kohlschreiber is the most realistic outcome in this section.

Embed from Getty Images

Predictions

Round of 16
Federer d. Mannarino
Thiem d. Chung
Bautista Agut d. Dimitrov
Anderson d. Kyrgios
Pouille d. Tiafoe
Zverev d. Schwartzman
Del Potro d. Nishikori
Cilic d. Monfils

Embed from Getty Images

Federer, Cilic, Pouille, and Del Potro should be relative favorites. The remaining matchups could go either way but form favors the victors above.

Quarters
Federer d. Thiem
Anderson d. Bautista Agut
Pouille d. Zverev
Del Potro d. Cilic

Embed from Getty Images

Except for Federer’s match, these three potential quarterfinals would be crackers. I’ll back Anderson’s serve, Pouille’s form, and JMDP’s power.

Semis
Federer d. Anderson
Del Potro d. Pouille

Fans would love a Federer vs. Del Potro final, I’ll go with Federer to retain the IW title.

Embed from Getty Images

Final
Federer d. Del Potro

Del Potro and Bautista Agut Rise Up to Capture ATP 500 Level Titles
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Acapulco

Embed from Getty Images

Juan Martin Del Potro won his biggest title in 5 years as he eased past Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-4 in the final. Anderson didn’t appear entirely fit in the final and Del Potro handled his big serve with relative ease.

JMDP defeated Mischa Zverev, David Ferrer (in 3 sets), Dominic Thiem, and Alexander Zverev to reach the final, the last three wins high quality results for the veteran Argentine. Anderson reached his third ATP final of the year by defeating Radu Albot, Adrian Mannarino, Hyeon Chung, and Jared Donaldson, the win over Donaldson coming in three sets.

Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares won doubles against the Bryan brothers.

ATP Dubai

Embed from Getty Images

It was Roberto Bautista Agut’s finest week on the ATP Tour yet. The 29 year old Spaniard defeated Lucas Pouille 6-3 6-4 in the final, and dropped just one set on the week. Despite a weakened field in Dubai, RBA still scored quality wins against Florian Mayer, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Borna Coric, and Malek Jaziri to reach the final. Jaziri’s dream run in the Middle East coming up short despite upsetting Grigor Dimitrov, Robin Haase, and Stefanos Tsitsipas in consecutive matches.

Pouille defeated Ernests Gulbis, Karen Khachanov, Yuichi Sugita, and Filip Krajinovic to reach the final, dropping sets against everyone but Gulbis and showing his mettle in key third setters. His results in Dubai resulted in his third final of 2018 as the Frenchman has been roaring this year.

Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau defeated Cerretani/Paes in the doubles final.

ATP Sao Paulo

Embed from Getty Images

Fabio Fognini staved off a valiant effort from the rising Nicolas Jarry to take the Sao Paulo 250 final 1-6 6-1 6-4. The result is the 5th career ATP title for the Italian #1 who wrapped up the golden swing with straight set wins over Joao Domingues, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, and Pablo Cuevas to reach the final.

Jarry had a remarkable golden swing, gaining ranking points by reaching the quarters or better in the three tournaments that he played. He had a very tough week in Sao Paulo as he played five three set matches in total. Dusan Lajovic, Guido Pella, Albert Ramos, and Horacio Zeballos were the players who stood in his path, and he took them all down, winning over Pella and Ramos in third set tiebreaks. Jarry rises to #61 in the rankings, a new career high.

Maximo Gonzalez and Federico Delbonis defeated Koolhof/Sitak in the doubles final.

Young Guns Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe Join Diego Schwartzman in ATP Winner’s Circle This Week
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Marseille

Embed from Getty Images

Russia’s Karen Khachanov won his second career ATP title, taking the championship in Marseille 7-5 3-6 7-5 over Lucas Pouille. Khachanov beat Frenchman Julien Benneteau, veteran Tomas Berdych, Mischa Zverev, and Ruben Bemelmans on the week, dropping just a set against Pouille.

Pouille couldn’t make it 2/2 in French finals this year, but he did score tough wins over Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Filip Krajinovic. He beat Ilya Ivashka in the semis, Ivashka playing in his first ever semifinal at the ATP level after benefiting from drawing an injured Stan Wawrinka in the round of 16.

Raven Klaasen and Michael Venus defeated Marcus Daniell and Dom Inglot in the doubles final.

ATP Delray Beach

Embed from Getty Images

Frances Tiafoe lived up to the hype this week in Delray. The 20 year old defeated Peter Gojowczyk 6-1 6-4 in the final, capturing his first ATP title in what was an amazing week for the young American. He began his winning streak against Matt Ebden in the opening round, then upset Juan Martin Del Potro in 3 sets. In the quarterfinals and semifinals he beat fellow young guns Hyeon Chung and Denis Shapovalov, dropping a set to Chung but recovering well. Tiafoe’s game was more solid this week than it had been previously.

Germany’s Gojowczyk defeated Lukas Lacko, John Isner, Reilly Opelka, and Steve Johnson to reach the final, his second at the ATP level. Despite defeating three Americans, he couldn’t defeat a fourth in the final.

Jackson Withrow and Jack Sock beat Nick Monroe and J.P. Smith in the doubles final, completing an All-American sweep at the Delray 250.

ATP Rio

Embed from Getty Images

Diego Schwartzman wrapped up a 500 level title in Rio with a routine 6-2 6-3 win against Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco. It’s the biggest title of the Argentine’s career and his second ATP title overall. He defeated Casper Ruud, Federico Delbonis, Gael Monfils, and Nicolas Jarry without dropping a set in any of his matches this week.

Verdasco turned back the clock a bit. The 34 year old showed his forehand range against Leonardo Mayer, Nicolas Kicker, Dominic Thiem, and Fabio Fognini. His wins against Thiem and Fognini, both in straight sets, was the best results he’s posted on tour in quite some time.

David Marrero joined with singles finalist Verdasco to win the doubles final against Nikola Mektic/Alexander Peya.

Grigor Dimitrov, and French Stars Lucas Pouille and Richard Gasquet Lead Weakened Field at ATP Dubai
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are a 500 level stop in Dubai on outdoor hard courts. Normally an event on the elite side of the 500 level, the field is relatively weak this year, opening up opportunities for ranking points and prize money for players outside of the top 10. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Top Half:

Top seed Grigor Dimitrov has put together a solid season thus far. He should defeat local favorite Malek Jaziri, and either Robin Haase or Quentin Halys to reach the quarters. Philipp Kohlschreiber has an advantage to reach the quarters in his section. Kohli hasn’t had a great 2018, but Gleb Sakharov is his first opponent, then Mikhail Kukushkin or Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom are struggling. Kohli over the young Greek is my pick, with Dimitrov reaching the semis.

Embed from Getty Images

Roberto Bautista Agut is looking to get back on track against Florian Mayer first up, with Joao Sousa or Pierre-Hugues Herbert to follow. RBA should be good enough to reach the quarters. The section featuring Richard Gasquet vs. Borna Coric and Benoit Paire vs. Yoshihito Nishioka is the strongest of the draw. Paire and Gasquet have both been solid this year, and Coric has potential. I’ll go with Gasquet over Paire in round 2, with Gasquet knocking off RBA in the quarters.

Embed from Getty Images

Bottom Half:

Ernests Gulbis has qualified for two ATP tournaments this year. He’ll open with Marseille finalist Lucas Pouille. Given the fatigue factor, I’ll go with Gulbis to upset Pouille and also defeat Karen Khachanov, who is coming off a big title in Marseille. Khachanov opens with Denis Istomin. Yuichi Sugita or J.L. Struff should benefit big time in this section. Sugita opens with an in-form Ilya Ivashka, who reached his first ever ATP semi in Marseille. Struff faces a struggling Andreas Haider-Maurer. I’ll back Struff over Sugita and Gulbis in consecutive matches to reach the semis.

Embed from Getty Images

Yannick Maden is moving his way up the ATP rankings but Marseille quarterfinalist Damir Dzumhur should defeat him in the opening round. Evgeny Donskoy reached quarters in Delray Beach and should defeat Blaz Kavcic. I’ll back Dzumhur to reach the quarters from that section.

Embed from Getty Images

Filip Krajinovic faces Thomas Fabbiano, then Marcos Baghdatis or Viktor Troicki. The younger Serbian should get past Fabbiano and Baghdatis, then fall to Dzumhur in the quarters.

Predictions

Semis
Dimitrov d. Gasquet
Dzumhur d. Struff

This should be Dimitrov’s week. Gasquet has a shot as well. The bottom half is relatively open, but I’ll back Dzumhur to get to the final before falling to Grisha.

Final
Dimitrov d. Dzumhur

Stan Wawrinka Continues Comeback Tour at ATP Marseille 2018
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 250 indoor hard court stop in Marseille continues the ATP World Tour’s early year tournaments in Europe. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Top Half:

Roberto Bautista Agut and Karen Khachanov are heavy favorites to reach the quarters from the first section. RBA faces Malek Jaziri/Julien Benneteau, while Khachanov drew a qualifier and Mischa Zverev/Blaz Kavcic. RBA at his best should ease into the semis.

Embed from Getty Images

Tomas Berdych was unwell in Rotterdam but he could have a great week in Marseille. He’ll open with Hugo Gaston or a qualifier. Damir Dzumhur should beat Mikhail Kukushkin and Felix Auger-Aliassime/Thomas Fabbiano to reach the quarters opposite Berdych. Berdych is my pick for the semis. Rising young star Auger-Aliassime could rise up though.

Embed from Getty Images

Bottom Half:

Stan Wawrinka has struggled with is movement upon returning to the ATP Tour. He should beat Laslo Djere/qualifier to reach the quarters, but at that stage, I’ll back Daniil Medvedev to defeat him. The rising young Russian opens as the favorite against seed Gilles Muller, Stefanos Tsitsipas/Nicolas Mahut awaits in round 2. The winner of Medvedev/Tsitsipas has a great chance to reach the semis, and I’ll go with Medvedev to get the result.

Embed from Getty Images

Max Marterer has started 2018 in great form. On the back of a challenger title I’ll go with the German to upset home hero Gilles Simon in the opening round. Filip Krajinovic/Joao Sousa await. I’ll go with Marterer to reach the quarters opposite Lucas Pouille, the champion of Montpellier. Pouille over Marterer is my pick at that stage.

Embed from Getty Images

Predictions

Semis
Bautista Agut d. Berdych
Medvedev d. Pouille

Embed from Getty Images

It should be a good week for RBA and Pouille. Medvedev could take the title, but I’ll go with the steady Spaniard as my pick this week.

Final
Bautista Agut d. Medvedev

Roberto Carballes Baena and Mirza Basic Claim Maiden ATP Titles to Start February
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

ATP Quito

Embed from Getty Images

Qualifier Roberto Carballes Baena defeated Albert Ramos in a three set tilt 6-3 4-6 6-4 to capture his maiden ATP title on the clay of Quito, Ecuador. Carballes Baena defeated Federico Gaio, Paolo Lorenzi, Nicolas Jarry, and Andrej Martin after qualifying, dropping sets in his final three matches but prevailing each time.

His countryman Ramos, the more experienced of the finalists, defeated Roberto Quiroz, Gerald Melzer, and Thiago Monteiro, his win over Monteiro coming in three sets.

Jarry and Hans Podlipnik-Castillo, both hailing from Chile, defeated Austin Krajicek and Jackson Withrow in the doubles final.

ATP Montpellier

Embed from Getty Images

Lucas Pouille, who captured a career high three ATP titles in 2017, captured his first of 2018, 7-6 6-4 over countryman Richard Gasquet. Pouille benefited from a retirement in the semifinals when trailing against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, as Tsonga injured his knee up a set and 5-5 in set 2. Carlos Taberner and Benoit Paire both lost to Pouille in straight sets.

Gasquet showed good form yet again on home courts, he beat Daniil Medvedev, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Damir Dzumhur and David Goffin. The wins over Herbert and Goffin coming in three sets.

British brothers Ken and Neal Skupski defeated Hugo Nys and Ben Mclachlan in the doubles final.

ATP Sofia

Embed from Getty Images

Both Mirza Basic and Marius Copil had a shot at their maiden ATP title, and Basic came out ahead. The Bosnian edged Copil 7-6 6-7 6-4 in the final, after upsetting both Philipp Kohlschreiber and Stan Wawrinka to reach the final. Basic, a qualifier, also defeated Florian Mayer and Max Marterer in the main draw. Basic was on the ropes in his opening round qualifying match against local player Alexander Lazov, and dropped a set against Marterer as well, but improved throughout the entirety of the week. He was rock solid on serve against Wawrinka and finally got the upper hand.

Copil defeated Robin Haase, Blaz Kavcic, Gilles Muller, and Jozef Kovalik to reach the final, not dropping a set in those four victories.

Embed from Getty Images

Haase and Matwe Middelkoop will head into a home tournament in Rotterdam with momentum after capturing the doubles final over Nikola Mektic and Alexander Peya. It’s their second title of 2018.

Deep French Field Including Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Feature at ATP Montpellier
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The first of the numerous ATP tournaments in France, Montpellier is a 250 on indoor hard courts. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Top Half:

David Goffin comes off success in Davis Cup and will face Gilles Simon in the opening round, presuming Simon beats a qualifier. I’ll go with Simon in an upset, given home court advantage, Goffin’s likely fatigue, and Simon’s good form to start the year. David Ferrer is another veteran in good form, he’ll face Karen Khachanov, Ricardas Berankis/Julien Benneteau will follow. Simon over Ferrer is my pick in the quarters.

Embed from Getty Images

Richard Gasquet played well in Davis Cup, he has a tough opening match against Daniil Medvedev, with Pierre-Hugues Herbert/qualifier to follow. Gasquet is still my pick ot reach the quarters, opposite Damir Dzumhur. Dzumhur will face Calvin Hemery/Ruben Bemelmans in the second round.

Embed from Getty Images

Bottom Half:

Lucas Pouille struggled to start the season, he should beat a qualifier, but his countryman Benoit Paire should be tricky in the quarters. Paire opens with Mischa Zverev, John Millman/Yuichi Sugita will follow. Paire is my pick over Pouille in the quarters given the current form of both players.

Embed from Getty Images

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has a great shot in his section of the draw, Nicolas Mahut/Dustin Brown will be his first opponent, Andrey Rublev should be his quarterfinal opponent. Rublev opens with Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Stefanos Tsitsipas/Jeremy Chardy will follow. Tsitsipas could make a run, but Rublev seems to be better at this point in time. Tsonga is my pick to reach the semis.

Embed from Getty Images

Predictions

Semis
Gasquet d. Simon
Tsonga d. Paire

I’ll go with an all French semifinal lineup, Gasquet and Tsonga should be favorites, and I’ll back Tsonga to take home the title.

Final
Tsonga d. Gasquet