Ricky’s preview and picks for the ATP 250s in Geneva and Lyon

It’s the week earlier than a Grand Slam, which normally means not excellent issues. With the French Open on the fast horizon, nevertheless, the Geneva event has attracted a tremendous subject. Novak Djokovic accepted a late wild card, whereas Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Andy Murray are additionally within the draw.

Listed below are my previews and picks for this week’s tournaments in Geneva and Lyon.

Gonet Geneva Open

The place: Geneva, Switzerland  Prize cash: 579,320 Euros  Prime seed: Novak Djokovic 2023 champion: Nicolas Jarry (not taking part in) 

How robust is the Geneva subject? Properly, the troublesome of this occasion could be summed up by the truth that Djokovic’s opening match may come in opposition to Murray. The highest-ranked Serb can also should get previous both Denis Shapovalov and Tallon Griekspoor simply to succeed in the semifinals. Fritz and Jack Draper are amongst those that may face Djokovic within the final 4.

The opposite half of the bracket consists of Ruud and Shelton. These two gamers personal first-round byes, however Sebastian Baez can by no means be discounted at any clay-court outfit and others reminiscent of Fabian Marozsan, Alexander Shevchenko, and Flavio Cobolli are able to doing harm. Shelton vs. Cobolli is potential second-round contest, whereas Ruud may match up with Baez within the quarterfinals. 

Quarterfinal picks: Novak Djokovic over Federico Coria, Taylor Fritz over Jack Draper, Flavio Cobolli over Fabian Marozsan, and Sebastian Baez over Casper Ruud  Semifinals: Fritz over Djokovic and Baez over Cobolli 

Closing: Fritz over Baez 

Open Parc

The place: Lyon, France  Prize cash: 579,320 Euros  Prime seed: Ugo Humbert 2023 champion: Arthur Fils (not taking part in) 

Draw evaluation: Lyon lacks the star energy of Lyon, however it’s nonetheless a reasonably good ATP 250 primarily based on the participant lineup. Ugo Humbert, the highest seed, has seemingly been successful titles in every single place courting again to final fall. The French contingent additionally consists of Adrian Mannarino, Gael Monfils, Alexandre Muller, and Richard Gasquet. Muller, who upset Andrey Rublev on his approach to the fourth spherical of the Rome Masters, is ready for an all-French affair with Gasquet in spherical one.

Mannarino would be the third seed, however on clay he isn’t actually an element. The left-hander is in the identical part as an ice-cold Frances Tiafoe, in order that a part of the brackt couldn’t be extra huge open. Jaume Munar and Luciano Darderi are amongst those that shall be trying take benefit. The story is comparable close to the underside of the draw. No. 2 Alexander Bublik isn’t comfy on clay and Monfils (No. 7) has not achieved something notable of late. Because of this, Francisco Cerundolo and Mariano Navone should be thought-about the highest two favorites to earn a last spot. 

Quarterfinal picks: Tomas Martin Etcheverry over Dominik Koepfer, Jaume Munar over Luciano Darderi, Francisco Cerundolo over Lorenzo Sonego, and Mariano Navone over Alexander Bublik  Semifinals: Etcheverry over Munar and Cerundolo over Navone 

Closing: Etcheverry over Cerundolo 

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.