The Rotterdam Open usually displays one of the most star-studded fields for an ATP 500 event, especially since it is the first 500 event of the season and one of three 500 tournaments in the February.
The new big names, Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios, are both out. Federer underwent surgery for a torn meniscus while the Aussie is dealing with a wrist injury. Last year’s champion, Stan Wawrinka, is also not in the field.
Gasquet’s Quarter
The tournament’s top seed is world number nine Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman has a tough opening task ahead of him though as he faces countryman Jeremy Chardy. Chardy offers more firepower from the forehand side and his serve, but Gasquet is more steady from the back of the court. The world number nine is looking to make it back-to-back titles after his win in Montpelier this week.
Also in Gasquet’s quarter is the eight seed Viktor Troicki. The Serb has one title to his name so far this year after capturing the Sydney title in a thriller. He meets qualifier Andrey Kuznetsov in the opening round. Hyeon Chung could be a dark horse in this section. The Korean teen phenom went toe-to-toe with Novak Djokovic from the back of the court for a set in their first round matchup so he could really provide a scare to some here.
Quarterfinals: Gasquet - Chung
Semifinalist: Gasquet
Goffin’s Quarter
The second quarter is led by David Goffin of Belgium. He’ll face an inspired Marcos Baghdatis to open up his campaign. In this section is another man looking to make it two titles in as many weeks in Roberto Bautista Agut. He will face Joao Sousa in his opener.
Lukas Rosol could be dangerous. He certainly has the firepower to compete with the players in his section, but it really comes down to whether or not he can perform consistently.
Quarterfinals: Goffin - Bautista Agut
Semifinalist: Bautista Agut
Simon’s Quarter
The quarter with Gilles Simon is absolutely loaded with talent. Fifth-seeded Gael Monfils faces off against Ernests Gulbis. Both players have immense talent but can get very lackadaisical and streaky. However, the Frenchman has finally played some cool, calm, and composed tennis as of late, which was evident in his run to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
The crowd will be rocking when Thiemo de Bakker faces youngster Borna Coric and will be just as loud when Robin Haase finds himself against third-seeded Gilles Simon. Despite the Dutch seeing their countryman and Monfils in this quarter, the real matchup to watch for will be between Alexander Zverev and Vasek Pospisil.
The German took a wild card into the event after working his way into the semifinals of Montpelier this week. In this matchup, we’ll see power from the baseline, volleying, and maybe a couple drop shots here and there. This is the matchup everyone will be keeping their eyes out for.
Quarterfinals: Coric - Zverev
Semifinalist: Coric
Cilic’s Quarter
There are no outstanding names in this section outside of Marin Cilic, the two seed, and Benoit Paire, the seven seed. Cilic has struggled recently, getting knocked out earlier than expected at the Australian Open and Montpelier. This offers him a chance to get some much-needed points to try and move up the rankings with no major threat in his way. The Croatian opens up against Denis Istomin, and the Frenchman faces qualifier Ivan Dodig.
Quarterfinals: Philipp Kohlschreiber - Cilic
Semifinalist: Cilic
Semifinal and Finals Prediction
Semifinals:
Gasquet def. Bautista Agut
Cilic def. Coric
Finals: Cilic def. Gasquet