ATP Basel: Monday is firmly in Spanish hands
The ATP 500 event in Basel is already waiting for the first round duel of the tournament's number one on Monday. In general, the Spaniards rule on Center Court in the St. Jakobshalle on Monday.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Oct 24, 2022, 03:29 pm
By Michael Rothschädl from Basel
One is inclined to say that Carlos Alcaraz is following in big footsteps these days. Since Roger Federer's career ended, it has been clear: all eyes at the ATP 500 event in Basel will be on the 19-year-old Spaniard. The US Open champion will lead the field in the top-class hard court classic. And that already from Monday.
Because in Switzerland people stick to early plans. Months ago, it was planned to use the Spanish youngster on Monday. At that time, however, Roger Federer was still in store as a "headliner" for Tuesday. As is well known, nothing will come of this.
Alcaraz with a difficult start
Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, has a tough nut to crack with Jack Draper in lap one. The Briton is ranked 45th in the ATP world rankings, and the only 20-year-old recently showed a great deal with a win over Felix Auger-Aliassime at the US Open. The Canadian is also present in Basel. And number three of the tournament.
The tournament's number one, Alcaraz, meanwhile, has big goals for the ATP 500 event: namely to further consolidate his world ranking position: "I want to end the year as No. 1. I still have a few good tournaments ahead of me, where I I want to do my best to end the year as number 1," said Alcaraz in the run-up to the Swiss Indoors.
The Canadian will start with the dangerous local hero Marc-Andrea Hüsler, who won the title in Sofia. In addition to the duels of Holger Rune and Alex de Minaur as well as Stan Wawrinka and Casper Ruud, the most attractive opening duel at the ATP 500 event.
Thin program on Monday
On Monday, however, the clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper is relatively unrivaled: in addition to the Spaniard's first match on Swiss soil, only David Goffin and Brandon Nakashima as well as Marin Cilic and Arthur Rinderknech are in action on Monday on Center Court.
If it weren't for Alvaro Soler: The Spaniard will honor the Swiss Indoors with a show act. And add a musical component to the official opening ceremony after the first single. Of course, this only serves as a guide for Alcaraz' start. Without a doubt, all eyes in Basel will be on it from Monday.