Griek is back

Back from injury but also back to an almost conquered land, the Dutchman was a finalist in 2025!

Griekspoor likes this lively, fast clay; he can get his serve working easily and follow up with his forehand, the short patterns are very effective on these courts. Not too much doubt about his potential max level, it’s more about whether he’s properly recovered from his groin injury. That kind of injury completely ruins your physical training, and I don’t know how ready he’ll be or not. I’m wondering if last year’s final “forces” him to take his chance here, or if this just happens to line up perfectly with his planned return. We’ll find out quickly anyway, because this could turn into a physical battle.

Van Assche isn’t powerful, but he’s mobile and smart in his zones, he redirects play well, and even if he hasn’t produced any notable performance yet, we can still validate his return to the top 100, which is deserved. He’s crushed the Challengers and is trying to win again on the main tour; I think he’s in a good dynamic! He does well indoors because he hits flat and gains in offensive efficiency, but this kind of clay is actually pretty good for him too, like Majchrzak who performed well here last year for example. I’m a bit worried for him in the short patterns, but once the rally is established he’ll hang in there and force long rallies.

Still a bit too light, the Frenchman, IF Griekspoor shows up at the same level he had before his injury...