A strong event, as always, even with the late withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz. We still have 5 of the 8 quarter-finalists from Monte-Carlo. Plus, possibly the return of Rafael Nadal!
Musetti hasn’t set the world on fire this season, and if he can get through his first match, he’ll face the challenge of Tsitsipas, which will be a good litmus test for him.
Can Tsitsipas continue his scintillating Monte Carlo form? With Alcaraz out, he looks to have a charmed run to at least the semis, as long as he doesn’t tire.
Will Nadal take to the court? If so, he’s got a winnable match against Flavio Cobolli, but then will face Aussie, Alex De Minaur. The Demon is putting together a great season, and it was their clash in Brisbane in January, which effectively derailed his year so far. That would be a tantalising clash.
Davidovich Fokina had a rare win this year in Monte Carlo, so hopefully it’ll give him a bit of confidence to kick start his year. A likely first match against Machac won’t be an easy assignment.
Humbert has already won a 250 and 500 event this year, and after reaching the quarter finals last week, he shows no sign of stopping his brilliant year to date. Can see him again making at least the quarter finals here.
Arnaldo and Cazaux will be fascinating first round clash. Cazaux has lifted his ranking from 130 to 75 this year, while Arnaldi has shown glimpses, without stringing it all together.
The bottom section appears to be open for Ruud or Khachanov, who are both in good form. Ruud is obviously coming off some success (although not the ultimate) in Monte Carlo, and I don’t see anyone except ‘fatigue’ stopping him before the semis.
I can’t quite get a read on Rublev this year. Started well, but hasn’t really threatened to win an event since. Probably has potentially the hardest draw, so if he does win this, it’ll be a well deserved title.
For me, I’m predicting an Tsitsipas v Humbert, and Ruud v Khachanov semi final line up.
