Defending champion Holger Rune returns to the 2023 Stockholm Open to face Miomir Kecmanovic in his first match back at the event.
Holger Rune hasn't played very good tennis, and aside from a win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Beijing, the Dane has struggled with his tennis. The beatdown Brandon Nakashima handed him was rather shocking, especially as he's pursuing a spot at the ATP Finals.
He needs wins, and he needs them now; however, Miomir Kecmanovic has never been a pushover. The good thing for Rune is the familiarity he has with Stockholm and the fact that he won here last year.
The conditions work perfectly for his attacking play, but he needs to play well, and he hasn't been able to do that for a long time now.
Head-to-head:
They never played before on the ATP Tour, which is interesting but there are some things to observe. Rune is the far more aggressive player and likes to go for his shots more often than Kecmanovic.
He's also the better server, in my opinion, though that's only a strength if he has his day. He's put forward some very questionable serving performances in the past, so it's not a given with him. If he does serve well, this matchup will be a lot more easier for him.
Prediction:
Kecmanovic hasn't exactly had a brilliant year either, posting a 24-27 record so far. He hasn't been that good lately either, but he had a good showing in the opening round here, which might help him be a bit more used to the conditions.
Even so, Rune is a far better fit indoors than Kecmanovis, so I don't think that will matter much. Basically, the matchup is on Rune's racquet. If he plays the way he can then a victory certainly isn't out of the question. If he doesn't play well, then he can obviously lose.
Prediction: Holger Rune to win in two sets.
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