's-Hertogenbosch 2024: Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Libema Open
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin
Date: June 13
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Tournament: Libema Open 2024
Venue: Rosmalen, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Category: ATP 250
Prize Money: €690,135
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin preview
Tommy Paul will open his grasscourt swing campaign with an exciting second-round encounter against Alexei Popyrin at the 2024 Libema Open.
Paul, the second seed at this year’s tournament, comes in fresh off a successful first half of the season that saw him lift a trophy in Dallas. He also reached another final on home soil and made two Masters 1000 semifinals to put together an impressive 21-9 win-loss record.
The American will be keen on carrying the momentum onto the new surface.
At 9-9, Popyrin’s 2024 season has been less impressive, but the Aussie still has a few good results to show for it. The most notable was his run to the fourth round of the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he scored a big upset over Andrey Rublev.
He has, however, been in a lull since. His win over compatriot Rinky Hijikata in the opening round in Libema saw him snap a five-match losing streak. He will be keen on building on the result.
Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin head-to-head
Popyrin leads Paul 1-0 in their head-to-head record, having beaten his opponent 6-4, 6-3 at the 2021 Murray River Open.
Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Tommy Paul vs Alexei Popyrin prediction
The past record notwithstanding, Tommy Paul will come into the contest as a firm favorite to win. The American has been playing well in recent months, evidenced by his near-career-high ranking of No. 13.
While some aspects of his game will need some ironing out as he steps out to play his first match on grass, Paul does have a game that is well-suited for the quick courts. His big serve, pacey groundstrokes and willingness to come into the net are all facets that are rewarded on grass.
Popyrin, on the other hand, succeeds more on surfaces where he can send a lot of the balls back. A passive approach, however, will only allow his opponent to settle into a rhythm.
For Popyrin, the key will lie in being more aggressive than his usual self to try and push Paul on the back foot. But given his recent run of form, an upset looks rather unlikely.
Pick: Tommy Paul to win in straight sets.