Rotterdam 2021: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Egor Gerasimov preview, head-to-head & prediction | ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
Match details
Fixture: (2) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Egor Gerasimov
Tournament: Rotterdam Open 2021
Round: First round (Round of 32)
Venue: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Indoor hardcourt
Prize money: €980,580
Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | India - Sony
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Egor Gerasimov preview
Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Egor Gerasimov in the first round of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.
Tsitsipas has enjoyed a good start to the season. The Greek won both his matches at the ATP Cup, and followed that with a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open. The Greek's Melbourne run included an incredible come-from-behind win over World No. 2 Rafael Nadal.
Four of Tsitsipas' five ATP singles titles have come on indoor hardcourt. The 22-year-old will therefore be hoping for a good showing in Rotterdam, where he has won only one match in three main-draw appearances.
His opponent Egor Gerasimov is ranked 83rd in the world. The Belarusian has reached one ATP final in his career, which came just a year ago - at the Tata Open in Pune.
Gerasimov is coming off a good run in Montpellier this week. The 28-year-old scored a win over Andy Murray in the first round, followed by two victories over higher-ranked opponents to reach the semis.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Egor Gerasimov head-to-head
This will be the second ATP meeting between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Egor Gerasimov.
Tsitsipas currently leads their ATP tour head-to-head by a margin of 1-0, having scored a straight-sets win over Gerasimov at Dubai in 2019.
That said, the Belarusian does have a win over Tsitsipas, which came at the ATP Challenger level in 2016.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Egor Gerasimov prediction
For a long time now, Stefanos Tsitsipas has been looking to add another big title to add to his Nitto ATP Finals trophy from 2019. The Greek has not been able to get over the hump at a Slam or Masters, despite reaching the closing stages on a few occasions.
That said, Tsitsipas has managed to remain in the top 10 ever since he first entered in March 2019, and is a reliable presence at the business end of big events.
Gerasimov is a solid opponent, but Tsitsipas has a more explosive game. The Greek should have enough firepower to get through this match and advance to the second round.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in straight sets.