Antwerp R1 previews and predictions: Popyrin vs. Van de Zandschulp, Lajovic vs. Gasquet

Following a couple of weeks off, the European indoor hard-court swing is resuming in Antwerp. A couple of intriguing first-round contests on Monday feature Alexei Popyrin, Botic Van de Zandschulp, Richard Gasquet, and Dusan Lajovic.

Alexei Popyrin vs. Botic Van de Zandschulp

Popyrin and Van de Zandschulp will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they clash in round one of the European Open on Monday evening. Both players are wrapping up the best seasons of their careers. Popyrin started strong, capturing his first ATP title in Singapore. Van de Zandschulp announced himself more recently, making an improbable run to the U.S. Open quarterfinals as a qualifier.

The 61st-ranked Dutchman actually completed the calendar-year qualifying Grand Slam, also playing his way into the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Outside of New York, though, main draws–pretty much at all tournaments, not just slams–have been a different story. It should also be noted that Popyrin is 5-0 on indoor hard courts this year thanks to his triumph in Singapore. This will almost certainly be a fun one, with a slight edge going to the Aussie.

Pick: Popyrin in 3

(WC) Richard Gasquet vs. (8) Dusan Lajovic

Lajovic has played a ton of tournaments in 2021, but he does not have a whole lot to show for his efforts. The 33rd-ranked Serb has only 15 match victories to go along with his 24 losses. He is 1-5 in his last six matches dating back to the Toronto Masters and four of those five losses have come in straight sets.

Up first for Lajovic on Monday in Antwerp is Gasquet, who lost their only previous meeting 7-6(1), 7-6(1) at the 2018 Madrid Masters. Of course, that was played on clay–which is Lajovic’s best surface. An indoor hard court gives Gasquet more of an advantage, and it’s not like the veteran Frenchman even needs any help given the current struggles of his opponent. Gasquet has won multiple matches in five of his last six tournaments across all levels and he may be in line to do more of the same this week.

Pick: Gasquet in 2