The season-ending European indoor hard-court swing begins on Monday in Stockholm, where Matteo Berrettini kicks off his week against Luciano Darderi. Aleksandar Kovacevic and Dominic Stricker are also on the schedule.
(8) Luciano Darderi vs. Matteo Berrettini
Berrettini has already racked up three titles in 2024–all at the ATP 250 and all on clay. Even in a stacked Nordic Open field and on indoor hard courts, the Italian has a good chance to win another one. He is a stellar 26-8 on the main tour this season despite once again dealing with various injuries. Berrettini should be motivated to finish strong, too, as he ultimately tries to get back into seed position for Grand Slams in 2025–including the Australian Open in January (currently ranked 44th).
Up first for the 28-year-old on Monday is Darderi, whom he has never faced. Darderi has been one of the breakout players on tour in 2024, with 23 of his 24 lifetime ATP-level match victories coming this year. However, the world No. 42 is not yet a factor on any surface other than clay. On a relatively quick indoor hard court, Berrettini should roll.
Pick: Berrettini in 2
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs. (PR) Dominic Stricker
Kovacevic and Stricker will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Monday. Their only previous meeting came two years ago on the indoor hard courts of the Biel Challenger, where Stricker prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3).
The 22-year-old Swiss is incredibly talented, but injuries have been a huge problem for him in the early stages of his professional life. That’s why Stricker is ranked No. 322 and needed to use a protected ranking in order to get into the Stockholm draw. Meanwhile, Kovacevic has climbed to 76th while enjoying the best season of his career. The American is simply the better player right now and certainly more reliable from a physical standpoint.
Pick: Kovacevic in 3
