(Tennis news) Nick Kyrgios recently had an unexpected loss to Wu Yibing in the opening round of the Stuttgart Open. The Wimbledon finalist from 2022, Nick Kyrgios, struggled in his first match of the year after a break for knee surgery. Nick Kyrgios had to retire after making it to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Japan Open due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old Australian, who twice advanced to the semifinals in Stuttgart, required further surgery and missed the Australian Open as a result. Due to a foot injury acquired during a car theft incident in May, his comeback was further delayed.

Lorenzo Sonego, meanwhile, comes to Halle after making a strong impression at Roland Garros, where he placed in the top 16. The Italian athlete, who is 28 years old, showed exceptional talent on the court, defeating strong opponents like Andrey Rublev, the 7th seed, Ben Shelton, the 30th seed, and Ugo Humbert. When Karen Khachanov, the 11th seed, defeated Lorenzo Sonego in the Round of 16, his extraordinary run at the French Open came to an end.

Lorenzo Sonego displayed outstanding form outside of his spectacular exploits in Paris, making it to the quarterfinals at Montpellier and Dubai as well as the Round of 16 in Miami. He is establishing himself as an all-around talent and has come a long way from his initial fondness for clay courts. 

It’s interesting to note that Matteo Berrettini, a specialist on grass courts, was recently defeated by Lorenzo Sonego in Stuttgart. Sonego quickly won 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour, taking advantage of Berrettini’s apparent lack of coordination on the court. During this match, Sonego was in danger of breaking six times but saved each one while breaking Berrettini four times.

Head-to-head

Lorenzo Sonego and Nick Kyrgios have previously faced off twice, with Kyrgios winning both matches. At the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, where it was their first meeting, Kyrgios won 7-5, 6-4. In their next meeting, which took place at the Australian Open in 2020, Kyrgios triumphed once more, this time by a score of 6-2, 7-6(3), and 7-6(1).

Predictions

Nick Kyrgios is prepared to demonstrate his mastery of the grass court at the Halle Open 2023. The Australian has a strong resume thanks to his explosive serve and forceful forehand as well as his significant experience. Injury-related disruption is a worry, but he may be able to help in overcoming those difficulties thanks to his skills. 

In contrast, Lorenzo Sonego comes into the Halle Open with renewed energy after a brilliant showing at the French Open and a thrilling victory over Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart’s first round. The Italian player is sure to gather momentum in Halle thanks to his impressive wins, which include a victory over Berrettini and Rublev, as well as a gruelling five-setter match versus Rublev.

Nick Kyrgios is well-positioned to succeed in this match thanks to his capacity to handle stress and keep the action under control. However, Sonego is also no pushover, and his recent victories indicate that he is at the top of his game. However, Kyrgios appears to have the upper hand in this matchup based on prior results and the details of their games.

Nick Kyrgios to win in three sets (3-1) 

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