The Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, is one of eight tour-level events played on grass and helps transition the ATP Tour to its European grass-court swing. ATP Den Bosch welcomes some of the world’s top players to its ground, kicking off on Monday with four first-round encounters, including David Goffin vs Luca Nardi. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all matches around the grounds of Den Bosch. But who will advance?
ATP Den Bosch Predictions
Tim van Rijthoven vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-Head: van Rijthoven 0-1 Bergs
Tim van Rijthoven won this event as a wildcard back in 2022. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, that was more of a flash in the man than a kickstarter to his career. van Rijthoven has won just two tour-level matches since the beginning of 2023. Lucky loser Zizou Bergs is not the most consistent player on tour, but there is no reason for me to believe his weapons won’t be enough against van Rijthoven.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Adrian Mannarino vs Stefano Napolitano
Head-to-Head: first meeting
The ageless wonder Adrian Mannarino favors grass as his best surface. He was 12-4 on the surface last year, including a run to the ATP Den Bosch quarterfinals. Italian qualifier Stefano Napolitano has played just four career grass-court tour-level matches. Mannarino should have no problem pushing him around the court with his flat, low groundstrokes.
Prediction: Mannarino in 2
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Jakub Mensik vs Gijs Brouwer
Head-to-Head: first meeting
18-year-old Jakub Mensik is far and away the highest-ranked 18-year-old in the world. The world No. 76 is 20-9 in all competitions, with top ten wins over Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov. The young Czech backs up a big serve and forehand combo with solid court movement. If he is not giving away points, he is tough to beat. Gijs Brouwer best tour-level tennis has come on the grass. However, picking him to win would be picking Mensik to bring his C-level. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope the young Czech plays well.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
David Goffin vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-Head: Goffin 2-1 Nardi
David Goffin and Luca Nardi have squared off three times previously, including a three-set battle in Indian Wells qualies earlier this year. Goffin is just 3-9 in tour-level matches this season. Unfortunately, the former world No. 7 just does not have the power or consistency he once held. Nardi comes to ATP Den Bosch 1-5 in his last six matches but was playing the best tennis of his career in March and early April. I expect the 20-year-old Italian to refind his form and continue to climb the rankings.
Prediction: Nardi in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports