Feliciano López vs Yosuke Watanuki Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Stuttgart Open

Prediction published on 12/06/2023, 05:50  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/06/2023 at 05:52 in Tennis Predictions

Wildcard Fernando Lopez will take on qualifier Yosuke Watanuki in the first round of the ATP Stuttgart Open on Monday afternoon. The winner of this encounter will face Hubert Hurkacz in the next round. At 41 years of age, Lopez is the oldest entrant in this competition and an occasional player, combining playing with his role as a tournament organizer. The Spaniard was the first from his country to reach a Wimbledon quarter-final and also has six grass-court final appearances under his belt. Lopez has only played four matches this year and has a record of 1-3. This is his first match since his opening-round exit in Barcelona in April. Can the veteran capitalize on his wildcard entry?

Ranked 115th in the world, Watanuki comes into this match with a positive record of 22-11 for the year. The number three-ranked Japanese player has done his best work on the Challenger circuit over the past few years and has earned three titles and appeared in six finals. It’s been a memorable year for Watanuki, having made his first Grand Slam appearance at the Australian Open and has also made his debut in a Master's event in Miami. He qualified in both those competitions but exited in the second round of qualifying at Roland Garros. Watanuki beat Henri Squire and Benjamin Hassan in qualifying, dropping a set against the former. He’ll fancy his chances in this one.