Here are this week’s talking points from the ATP World Tour ‘s tournaments in Rio De Janeiro, Delray Beach and Marseille.
- Can Nick Kyrgios defend his title in Marseille? The controversial Australian hasn’t been seen since his second round exit to Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open. He came under criticism for a lack of effort from the likes of John McEnroe in the past. This week is a good opportunity to prove his critics wrong and to successfully defend the title in France. He will be in stiff battle with the likes of Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who won Rotterdam last week and Alexander Zverev. Can the Aussie thrive under pressure? Or will he face more criticism? Only time will tell.
- Can Alexandr Dolgopolov continue his South American success? Last week Alexandr Dolgopolov won in Buenos Aires by beating a resilient Kei Nishikori in the final. This week the Ukrainian will hope to build on his confident and unique playing style and win his first 500 event of his career. He will face stiff competition from similar opposition to the players that were in Argentina. Can David Ferrer, Kei Nishikori or last year’s champion Pablo Cuevas stop ‘The Dog’? Or will he go one better than 2014 and win the tournament?
- Can Del Potro start 2017 like he finished 2016? One year on from his return, Juan Martin Del Potro returns to Delray Beach to start his 2017 campaign. The Argentinian will hope to build on the type of form that won him the silver medal at the Olympics and the type of form that won Argentina the Davis Cup in November. Del Potro is the seventh seed in Florida and will face the returning Kevin Anderson. Both men start their 2017 campaigns this week, can they start their season with a trophy? Or will the likes of Milos Raonic win the title?
Prediction Of The Week: My prediction of the week is that Richard Gasquet will win Marseille. Last time the one handed backhander was in France, he won the title in Montpellier and you wouldn’t back against him, and that’s why I am backing him in Marseille.
