Novak Djokovic headlines a stacked Geneva field and he will begin his final French Open preparation against Yannick Hanfmann on Wednesday. The second-round schedule also includes Tallon Griekspoor vs. Denis Shapovalov.
(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Yannick Hanfmann
Djokovic will make a surprising appearance at the Gonet Geneva Open when he begins his week at this ATP 250 event on Wednesday. The top-seeded Serb is lacking matches with the French Open on the immediate horizon, as he has played only two tournaments on this clay-court swing and lost his second match in Rome–6-2, 6-3 at the hands of eventual semifinalist Alejandro Tabilo. Djokovic, who was upset by Casper Ruud in the Monte-Carlo semifinals, has not yet reached a single final in 2024.
Up first for the 36-year-old during second-round action on Wednesday is a first-ever meeting with Hanfmann. The 85th-ranked German has always been at his best on clay, but in five clay-court starts this spring (two at Challengers) he has not won back-to-back main-draw matches at any location. Hanfmann was one round away from also facing Djokovic in Rome but lost to Tabilo 6-3, 7-6(4). Although the 32-year-old did well to beat Andy Murray 7-5, 6-2 in the Geneva first round, a second straight at a tournament will likely remain elusive. Djokovic may not want to go all the way in Geneva with Roland Garros coming up, but the world No. 1 should be inspired to play more than just a single match.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
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(WC) Denis Shapovalov vs. (6) Tallon Griekspoor
Griekspoor and Shapovalov will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Wednesday. It has been a rough season for Shapovalov as he returns from injury after missing the second half of last year following Wimbledon. The 25-year-old Canadian is down at No. 123 in the world and his 2024 match record at the ATP level stands at 7-12. He at least managed to beat Federico Coria 7-5, 6-0 on Tuesday in Geneva.
The story is much different for Griekspoor, who is up to No. 27 in the rankings thanks in part to a semifinal showing in Rotterdam and third-round performances at the Australian Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Masters plus a fourth-round effort in Madrid. Griekspoor, who beat Chris Eubanks 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in his Geneva opener, may not be on fire but he is certainly playing better than Shapovalov. Look for the sixth seed to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Pick: Griekspoor in 3
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WWW?
You have to remember it’s not on Djokovic’s racquet anymore. It’s no longer simply a case of him being motivated to win.
The other one looks good.
However, there’s a strong case for what you’re saying being right but 2-0?
What’s up with Mannarino at the moment? I hope he’s alright; he’s a good guy Mannarino.
clay
Hasn’t Fritz played enough tennis?
He has, but gotta remember it’s a 250 level tournament. These aren’t the big 4 that we are used to from previous generations. Most likely a Rudd tank incoming as well. Just how it is nowadays.
apparently!
I got 15/1 for Mickelson 2-1
Tennis whiz.
Thanks, I’m quite decent at most things that aren’t rigged.
What’s your pick for Michelson vs. Machac next round?
That’s impossible. Flip a coin.
Hanfmann is 0 from 10 break points. Djokovic looks like he’s holding on for dear life. Hanfmann goes up 3-0 and looks like he’ll off run away with the match. Djokovic then reels off 6 games in a row without facing another break point.
How do you predict that?