The Swiss Indoors Basel kicks off this week, featuring intriguing matchups that promise excitement for tennis fans. Among the highlights is an opening round contest between Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the eighth seed, and Italian Lorenzo Sonego. Additionally, unseeded players Jenson Brooksby and Alexandre Muller will also clash in their first-round bout.
In their second professional meeting, Davidovich Fokina and Sonego will continue their rivalry that began in 2019, when Sonego edged past Davidovich Fokina in a tightly contested three-set match in a Challenger final. As of now, Davidovich Fokina is enjoying a solid season, currently positioned at world No. 20. He has come close to lifting his first ATP title this year, finishing as a runner-up three times at different tournaments. In contrast, Sonego’s form has been more erratic. Although he made notable runs to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and the round of 16 at Wimbledon, he has struggled outside of these Grand Slam events. With both players not typically excelling indoors, Sonego would likely prefer a matchup on his favored clay or grass surfaces. Nonetheless, Davidovich Fokina’s current form suggests he should be able to secure the victory.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in straight sets.
On a different court, Jenson Brooksby, who is on a remarkable comeback journey following a suspension that sidelined him for a significant portion of the previous two seasons, takes on Alexandre Muller. Despite the challenges of his time away from competition, Brooksby has managed to make a strong return, amassing 20 victories on the ATP tour and climbing back to 56th in the world rankings. His recent performances in Asia, including a semifinal run in Tokyo, show that he is regaining his form and confidence.
The American will face Muller for the second time, having secured a hard-fought win against him at the Cincinnati Masters earlier this summer. It seems unlikely that Muller, ranked 43rd, will be able to turn the tables in this matchup, especially considering his struggles lately—he holds a disappointing 4-13 record in his last 17 matches and has a mixed lifetime performance on indoor hard courts. In contrast, Brooksby boasts a more favorable 26-14 record on this surface, giving him a clear advantage heading into the match.
Prediction: Brooksby in straight sets.
As the Swiss Indoors Basel unfolds, keep an eye on these matchups, as they promise thrilling tennis action and potential upsets.
