Next Gen ATP Finals Prediction: Alexander Blockx vs Nishesh Basavareddy
08:00 AM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Alexander Blockx -121 / Nishesh Basavareddy -102
Tournament details
Tournament name: Next Gen ATP Finals
Draw: 8-player field
Surface: Indoor hard
Total prize money: $2,101,250
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Alexander Blockx vs Nishesh Basavareddy Preview
Alexander Blockx is the highest-ranked player in the Red Group at the Next Gen ATP Finals, and the Belgian dominated Germany’s Justin Engel in his opening match. In the first-to-4 format, Block lost the first set in a tiebreak, but recovered to win each of the next three sets in an hour.
Blockx hammered 17 aces and did not record a single double fault. But perhaps the most important stat was how he dictated this match with his booming first serve. He landed 78% of first serves and won 85% of first serve points (44/52). Blockx had an equally productive second serve which he won 10 out of 15 points. He saved all three break points he faced in the match.
Nishesh Basavareddy also recorded a four-set win in his opening match. The American is playing in his second Next Gen ATP Finals edition and, under the guidance of coach Gilles Cervara, saw off talented Croatian Dino Prizmic 4-2, 4-3, 3-4, 4-2 in just under two hours.
Basavareddy saved three set points in the second set before ultimately securing victory. He hit 19 winners to 25 unforced errors. Basavareddy landed 67% of first serves in play and won 80% of first serve points (39/49). Basavareddy won half of his second serve points and saved one of two break points in the match. Basavareddy was eliminated in the group stage when he competed in this tournament last year, but could qualify for the semis with a win.
Alexander Blockx vs Nishesh Basavareddy Head-To-Head
Blockx and Basavareddy have never met before at any level.
Alexander Blockx vs Nishesh Basavareddy Prediction
This will be attack vs defense. Blockx is undoubtedly the best server in this tournament, and his ground stroke power is extremely lethal. Basavareddy, on the other hand, is probably the sharpest returner. Still, my money is on Blockx, whose serve+1 is a lot cleaner and more effective, and his forehand penetration will force many short balls, even against a great returner like Basavareddy.