Very open match

Unlike some big first rounds, this one seems a bit more open and both of them should consider themselves lucky to have gotten such a draw.

Basilashvili came through the qualifiers and has just bounced back after a small slump. Quite surprising given that he was playing really well in recent weeks. But who knows why, he messed up at Roland-Garros and in his first match on grass. He’s the kind of player who can be brilliant or terrible from one week to the next, so it’s not exactly shocking. This year, the momentum is very positive. He’s managing to bounce back. His average level of play is definitely much higher and more stable than in previous seasons. We’re seeing an excellent Basilashvili again. This is also a tournament that can bring back good memories for him. He’s already made a semi-final here. Anyway, as soon as the court is a bit fast, this guy is a huge threat.

I saw Altmaier last week in Stuttgart against Tiafoe. The score was pretty tight, he had his chances, but it’s very clear that grass is his worst surface. He managed to make up for it with a good quality of serve, but Tiafoe is a real sieve on return. I also felt the American wasn’t very focused in that first round. Altmaier is a guy who likes to grind down his opponents, counter, and express himself in different ways. And here, I don’t like it too much, it’s way too fast for him and it’s no surprise he’s struggling to win matches in this very particular tournament.