Vasek Pospisil and Alexander Zverev are set for an intriguing first-rounder on Wednesday in Rotterdam. A quarterfinal spot will be at stake when Gael Monfils goes up against Borna Coric.
Vasek Pospisil vs. (WC) Alexander Zverev
Pospisil and Zverev will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they meet in round one of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament on Wednesday. The relatively late start for the two players is undoubtedly due to the fact that Zverev is coming off a long week in Montpellier. The 18-year-old German reached his second career ATP singles semifinal (lost to Paul-Henri Mathieu) and also finished runner-up in doubles with his brother, Mischa. Zverev is up to a career-high ranking of No. 70 in the world.
Aside from a thrilling run to the 2015 Wimbledon quarterfinals, Pospisil has mostly fared better in doubles than in singles. This season has been no different. The 41st-ranked Canadian, whose record on the singles court is a disappointing 1-3, made it to the Australian Open quarters with Jack Sock. Even with two days off, Zverev has to be fatigued both mentally and physically. Although not in incredible form, Pospisil is at least playing well enough to capitalize on this opportunity.
Pick: Pospisil in 3
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(5) Gael Monfils vs. Borna Coric
Coric needed a win in the worst way when he took the court in Rotterdam on Monday. The 38th-ranked Croat won his first four matches of the season, reaching the final in Chennai. But an expected setback against Stan Wawrinka set off an unexpected losing streak that reached four matches. It included a first-round exit in Melbourne at the hands of Albert Ramos-Vinolas and a straight-set loss to Michael Berrer in Montpellier. Coric almost saw his skid hit five matches, but he saved a whopping 10 set points to take the first from Thiemo De Bakker and held on for a 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3 victory.
Up next for the 19-year-old is a first-ever showdown against Monfils. The fifth-seeded Frenchman lost right away in Montpellier to Edouard Roger-Vasselin, but may be back on track this week. A no-nonsense performance saw Monfils take care of qualifier Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday evening. A quarterfinalist at the French Open, Monfils is a decent 5-2 for his 2016 campaign. This should be a good matchup for the world No. 18 if he brings the same attitude that he showcased against Gulbis. Coric does not have the firepower to hit through a relatively slow Rotterdam court–especially not against an opponent of Monfils’ defensive caliber.
Pick: Monfils in 2
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