Tennis Tips & Predictions: ATP Estoril
Summary
The ATP Estoril 250 Open takes place in beautiful Portugal this week, and there are many top players entering to see how they fare heading into the clay season.
The clay season will feature many different switch ups of your regular title holders, but there will be just as much action if not more.
This tournament in particular is known for a great crowd and atmosphere willing to cheer the players on in the toughest of conditions.
There are going to be home crowd favourites from Portugal participating in this tournament, and the underdogs will be something to keep an eye out for.
From the first round on, the tournament will provide great vibes and electricity which will carry on all the way to the final.
Players will have to deal with the warmth of Portugal as well as the bouncing conditions of the ball.
Let’s head over to some players to watch for this week on Stake.com’s sportsbook where we will be running promotions for the rest of the tennis season, so get in your action now!
Players to Watch For
Casper Ruud - Trying to regain his Form
Casper Ruud is finally back into the clay season which realistically fits him better than any other surface.
The man from Norway always has had some great results on the clay, winning multiple 250 titles on this surface.
Ruud has done absurdly bad in his past few events, and the world does not necessarily know why.
Ruud is a top five player and is looking to be bounced out of that spot very soon if he does not pick up wins, fast.
Casper has the game to beat nearly everyone on tour, and came so close to winning two grand slams in 2022.
He is finally back home on his preferred conditions, and this should give him a boost of confidence heading into his matches.
If he is able to win the first few rounds comfortably, we could be seeing a rejuvenating title run from Ruud in Estoril.
Hubert Hurkacz - Can Clay be a Positive?
Hubert Hurcakz is another top player ready to make his mark in the clay season, one in which he does not have the best success in.
Hurkacz is clearly one of the more consistent players on tour, but on the clay he has suffered big defeats to opponents he would beat in any other condition.
The big-serving Pole will be looking to reverse his fortunes on the clay, by making strides to win his first tournament in Estoril.
Kicking off the red clay season with some wins will be huge for his confidence and will be much needed in a few weeks once the Masters’ season is once again back up for grabs.
If he is able to neutralize his opponents bounces, Hurkacz will be able to do well here in Estoril.
Sebastian Baez - 2022 Champion Returns
2022 Champ Sebastian Baez returns to defend his crown, with an absolutely stacked field.
Estoril is one of the more stacked 250’s in a while, and Baez will need to draw from 2022 form in order to come out on top once again.
The Argentinian has made great strides to be in the top thirty, but now requires a ton of effort in 2023 to maintain his ranking.
This week will be a huge one for him, and if he is on his game, he could more than definitely make some noise.