A couple of interesting picks from Gstaad today, with clear skies but a real chance of rain creeping in later in the afternoon. We've got our predictions for both matches, so let's get into it.
EFG Swiss Open Predictions
Raphael Collignon vs Valentin Vacherot
Head-to-head: Collignon 1-1 Vacherot
An even series, and not much separates these two on paper either. Collignon is ranked higher right now and has been one of the more quietly consistent clay-court performers on the Challenger circuit this season, and Gstaad's slower conditions suit someone who can grind and wait for the right ball. Vacherot isn't a pushover on clay, but he hasn't shown much lately to suggest he's playing better than his opponent right now.
I think Collignon gets this one done, though it won't be quick. Expect a third set.
Prediction: Collignon in 3
Jerome Kym vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head: First meeting
On paper this looks completely one-sided, and for most of his career Tsitsipas would have made short work of a wildcard ranked 186th. But Tsitsipas is not that player right now. His ranking has slid from inside the top 10 to 85th, and his results over the past year have been genuinely alarming for someone with his talent. Kym is Swiss, playing at home in front of a crowd that'll be firmly behind him and on a slow clay surface where the big serve matters less and consistency matters more, he's not without a chance.
Tsitsipas still has the higher ceiling and will fancy this on clay, but home wildcards in Gstaad, a tournament that has a long memory for upsets, have a history of causing problems. That said, I feel like the crowd and the conditions combine to carry Kym through in three, all things considered.
Prediction: Kym in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Debby Wong/ZUMA Press Wire