Here are this week’s key talking points as the ATP World Tour hits Montpellier, Quito and Sofia for its 250 events.
1. French Contingent Looks To Impress in Montpellier
At this present moment there are 10 French representatives in the Montpellier singles draw as most of them look to prove a point. For players like Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Lucas Pouille it is about regaining confidence and fitness as they look to perform on home soil. While for players like Gilles Simon, Benoit Paire and Richard Gasquet it is about continuing their brilliant start to the season and sending a message to the rest of the ATP tour.
2. David Goffin Hopes To Regain Confidence
World number 7 David Goffin hasn’t had the best start to the season after going out in the second round at the Australian Open to Julien Benneteau. However the Belgian will hope to use his confidence from Davis Cup last week to build some momentum in Montpellier this week. Goffin is the top seed and will have to be on form from early in the tournament as he could face Gilles Simon in his first match. Can the Belgian win another career title this year?
3. Can Estrella Burgos Remain The King Of Quito?
The 37 year old has been unstoppable when it has come to the Ecuador Open in Quito. In the three years that the tournament has been held, the Dominican Republican has won all three editions and is undefeated at the tournament! That is extraordinary but all great things come to an end, don’t they? He will look for his fourth straight title as he looks to see off players like Pablo Carreno Busta and Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his bid for history.
4. Stan Wawrinka Bids For Match Fitness In Sofia
The three time grand slam champion looks to improve his match fitness in Bulgaria this week. The Swiss Maestro has replaced Grigor Dimitrov in the draw, who is still recovering from injury. In this weak draw which includes Adrian Mannarino and Gilles Muller, can Wawrinka build up confidence ahead of the sunshine double in USA in March?
5. Adrian Andreev Makes History In Sofia
The 16 year old Bulgarian will make history this week as he will be the first player born in 2001 to player a main draw ATP Match! The Bulgarian was given a wildcard this week, despite being thrashed by Maximillian Marterer in qualifying last year. He will face a tough test in Denis Istomin in his first match but no matter what happens he will be a history maker when he leaves the court.
