The first round matches of the 2019 European Open continue on Tuesday, October 15th. Get the Andy Murray v Kimmer Coppejans and Cameron Norrie v Feliciano Lopez tips, previews and predictions below.
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Andy Murray v Kimmer Coppejans Predictions & Preview
This is the first meeting between former world number one Andy Murray and little known Belgian Kimmer Coppejans.
Three-time grand slam winner Andy Murray returned to the tour after hip surgery earlier this year, and has gradually gone from strength to strength. After a not so successful US hard court series, the Scottsman had a strong return to the Asian swing, defeating Matteo Berrettini, making the quarter-finals at the China Open in Beijing and putting up a tough fight against both Dominic Thiem and Fabio Fognini. Murray has mentioned that he is satisfied with his return so far and also confirmed his participation at the 2020 Australian Open.
Beligian Kimmer Coppejans has performed strongly at the ATP Challenger level qualifying for nine finals and winning five titles. He is relatively inexperienced on the ATP circuit, and this year’s French Open was the first time he has qualified for a Grand Slam.
While Coppejans will hope the local crowd can cheer him on, the gritty Murray will look to improvise on his recent performances. Expect Murray to win in straight sets.
Tip: Murray to win in straight sets: 1/14 with Unibet
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Cameron Norrie v Feliciano Lopez Predictions & Preview
In a clash of generations, 38-year old Feliciano Lopez plays young British player Cameron Norrie in the opening round at Antwerp. Their only meeting was on the hard courts at Cabos with Norrie winning in straight sets. Both players are currently ranked just outside the top 60 in the world in the ATP rankings.
Lopez was once ranked among the top 20 in the world, and with a strong serve and volley game continues to be a force on grass of all surfaces, specifically. Although he has fallen in the rankings of late, he followed his 2017 Queens Club ATP 500 title by winning the singles and doubles titles again this year at the Queens Club.
Norrie started the year being runner-up to Tennys Sandgren at the ATP 250 in Auckland and looked like a promising prospect for the year on tour. However, he has had a start-stop season and not able to break through and be particularly consistent.
Expect a good contest between both players in what could be a wide-open match, and the winner will depend on who is better on the day and plays the big points better. Expect Norrie’s young legs to edge Lopez in a three-setter.
Tip: Norrie to win in three sets: 8/13 with Unibet
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Giles Simon v Steve Darcis Predictions & Preview
This is the second meeting between French and Belgian veterans Giles Simon and Steve Darcis respectively. Their only meeting was on the clay in Netherlands back in 2007, where Darcis prevailed.
The Belgian has announced his retirement plans and he will be ending his career, at home, here in Belgium after this tournament. Darcis who is best remembered for defeating Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon opener back in 2013, made a comeback of sorts in 2017 returning to the top 40 in the world. But, the last season and a half have been none too noteworthy for him and with him dropping out of the top 150 in the world, the Belgian has decided it is time to call it a day.
Giles Simon was ranked number six in the world in 2009, and has continued to be a force through the last decade. In 2017, he dropped out of the top 50 for the first time since 2005, but came back strong to win two titles in 2018, was a Queens Club ATP finalist this year and is ranked within the top 40 in the world again.
Given recent form, it looks difficult for Darcis to get past Simon. Expect Simon to win in straight sets in what will then turn out to be Darcis’ final match on the ATP tour.
Tip: Simon to win in straight sets: 1/4 with Unibet
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Richard Gasquet v Soonwoo Kwon Predictions & Preview
Richard Gasquet plays 21-year old Korean Soonwoo Kwon in the opener at Antwerp.
Former top ten player Richard Gasquet is attempting to come back this season after injury, and has met with some favorable results like the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati. Gasquet will look to continue his return on the indoor hard courts and end the season on a strong note, ahead of 2020.
Soonwoo Kwon is a little known name on the tour, but has already broken into the top 100, and defeated Lucas Pouille recently during the Asian swing.
Gasquet to continue his successful return to the tour with a tight two set win.
Tip: Gasquet to win in straight sets: 3/5 with Unibet
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