🎾 ATP Bucharest: Van de Zandschulp vs Gasquet

🧠 Form & Context

🟨 Botic van de Zandschulp

• ⚙️ Mixed 2025 start: 7–9 record, with all wins on hard. First clay match of the season.
• 📈 Momentum from March: Reached Indian Wells 3rd Round, including win over Djokovic.
• 🏗️ Clay-capable: Career 191–112 clay record; not his best surface but experienced.
• 🇳🇱 Bucharest debut: First appearance here. Holds a 2–0 H2H lead over Gasquet.

🟫 Richard Gasquet

• 🎾 Veteran on tour: 38 years old, 3–4 record in 2025 so far.
• 🧱 Clay experience: Lifetime 253–138 clay record; reached Bucharest SF in 2008.
• 🔄 Recent play: Mostly Challengers and exhibitions (UTS), lacking ATP-level rhythm.
• 📉 H2H struggles: Lost both matches to Botic in straight sets (2022 Wimbledon & AO).

🔍 Match Breakdown

Van de Zandschulp’s aggressive game has proved too much for Gasquet in their past meetings. His physicality and consistency under pressure are key weapons—especially if the rallies get long on clay.

Gasquet still has the flair and timing, and his one-handed backhand can dictate tempo, but his ability to sustain tough matches has declined. If he can’t shorten points and stay in control early, the match could slip away fast.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Van de Zandschulp in straight sets

Gasquet’s class is eternal, but time and form are not on his side. Botic’s youth, clay experience, and previous dominance in this matchup make him the clear favorite here.