European Open 2024: Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (8) Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Date: TBS
Tournament: 2024 European Open
Round: First Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Lotto Arena, Antwerp, Belgium
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Prize Money: €690,135
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp preview
Marcos Giron and Botic van de Zandschulp will lock horns in an intriguing opening-round encounter at the 2024 European Open.
Giron, the eighth seed at this year’s tournament, comes in fresh off a rather solid run at the Shanghai Masters. The American, who had otherwise suffered four first-round exits since lifting the Hall of Fame Open title back in July, scored wins over Karen Khachanov and Li Tu before losing to a resurgent David Goffin in Shanghai.
The run helped him improve his season’s win-loss to 22-23 and he will look to turn that ratio into a positive one at the European Open.
Van de Zandschulp, meanwhile, has had a similarly up-and-down season as well. After his stunning US Open upset against Carlos Alcaraz, the Dutchman has made first and second-round exits at the Japan Open and Shanghai Masters.
His 15-23 win-loss for the season hardly inspires any confidence but he has shown an uncanny ability to play lights-out tennis (as he did against Alcaraz in New York) and could ask a few questions of his opponent.
Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp head-to-head
Giron leads Van de Zandschulp in their current head-to-head 2-1, but it was the Dutch player who won their last meeting in Munich last year 7-6(5), 6-3.
Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp odds
(Odds will be updated when available)
Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp prediction
Marcos Giron and Botic van de Zandschulp possess similarly strong baseline-oriented games and enjoy taking the ball early on the forehand wing.
The American has made three career finals, all of which have come on either hardcourts or grass. His run to the title at the Hall of Fame Open has been the standout result for the year.
He showed flashes of the same form in Shanghai last week, being effective on serve and taking control of baseline rallies more.
Against Van de Zandschulp, he will need to play with a similar intent. He can be very effective on attack but has had his struggles with confidence.
The Dutch player has been wasteful with his opportunities, as noted in his two big recent losses. He converted only one of 10 and three of 16 break points against Jack Draper at the US Open and Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Shanghai.
Fans can expect an intense baseline battle, but Van de Zandschulp’s lack of confidence and match wins may come back to haunt him in the big moments.
Prediction: Giron to win in three sets