The ATP 250 Hangzhou tournament is underway, and the first round promises some exciting matchups. Let's dive into two key clashes: Hijikata vs. Ugo Carabelli and Berrettini vs. Svrcina.
Hijikata vs. Ugo Carabelli: A Clash of Surfaces
Rinky Hijikata comes into this match with momentum, having successfully qualified for the main draw. He displayed dominant form in the qualifying rounds, particularly in his straight-sets victory over Holt. Hijikata has won three of his last five matches, showcasing his current confidence.
On the other hand, Camilo Ugo Carabelli has struggled recently, losing four of his last five matches. His last appearance was a straight-sets defeat at the US Open to Etcheverry. Ugo Carabelli is primarily a clay-court specialist and often finds it difficult to adapt to faster hard courts like those in Hangzhou.
Prediction: Bookmakers favor Hijikata, and we concur. His recent form and Ugo Carabelli's struggles on hard courts suggest a Hijikata victory. Look for Hijikata to leverage his serve and dictate play.
Berrettini vs. Svrcina: Can Berrettini Shake Off the Rust?
Matteo Berrettini makes his return to competitive tennis after a lengthy absence due to injuries. His last match was over two months ago at Wimbledon, where he lost to Majchrzak in a five-set thriller. Berrettini has faced injury challenges in recent seasons.
Dalibor Svrcina, despite failing to qualify directly, enters the main draw as a lucky loser. He lost to Zeppieri in the final qualifying round. Svrcina is a competent hard-court player and will be looking to capitalize on Berrettini's potential rustiness.
Prediction: While Berrettini is favored by the bookies, we believe Svrcina could make this a tight contest. Berrettini's lack of recent match play could be a significant factor. Expect Svrcina to challenge Berrettini and potentially cover the game spread.
Key Takeaways:
- Hijikata is a solid bet against Ugo Carabelli due to surface preference and recent form.
- Berrettini's return is uncertain, making Svrcina a potentially valuable underdog.