No warm-up

High-level match expected right from this first round, THE R1 match to watch

We’re seeing Korda in great physical and mental shape; the American has made a good comeback since returning, and given his recent tournaments I think we have to put him among the top players at this end of the year. Last week he only lost to Rune in a high-level match—solid performances, but the conditions in Stockholm were relatively favorable for him. What about Basel? The courts are much faster, the bounce is lower; even with his quality on return, he’s going to be a bit more uncomfortable. That actually suits Ugo: the Frenchman likes it fast, and his game becomes even harder to contain. I can’t say he made a strong impression on me in Stockholm despite the final—he was clutch against Sonego, then benefited from Rune’s retirement when he was in trouble, before getting blown out by Ruud in the final. Still, a final is a final, with positives to take and the possibility of building momentum. He’s dangerous indoors, and with the courts faster this week he could raise his level. His track record shows it: he’s good in Basel and doesn’t lose to just anyone there. On recent form I put Korda above Ugo, but with the change in conditions and a Humbert who should keep finding his tennis as he gets matches under his belt, I’m less definitive than I was at first. With Paris in sight, Humbert is surely going to play better and better, so I’m expecting a tight match.