Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Roland-Garros qualifying match.
Pavel Kotov is currently facing a difficult spell: a string of disappointing results has seen him fall out of the ATP top 100, and he now looks to secure a place in the main draw via the qualifiers. Benjamin Hassan has also been struggling for consistency, but this tournament offers a rare opportunity to make a mark at a higher level, given that he usually plays on the Challenger Tour.
Benjamin Hassan
Hassan has won just two of his last seven matches, indicating a poor run of form. In April, he lost to Pavel Kotov in a clay-court Challenger event in Madrid (4:6, 4:6), where he landed only 66% of his first serves, compared to Kotov’s 78%. Serving has been a persistent issue for Hassan on clay this season, as evidenced by 44 double faults across 13 matches on the surface.
Pavel Kotov
Although currently on a five-match losing streak, Kotov has been competing at a higher level than Hassan. He featured in the Rome qualifiers and pushed Giulio Zeppieri in a tight three-set match (6:4, 5:7, 3:6). He also managed to take a set from ATP No. 57 Jacob Fearnley in Madrid (6:4, 4:6, 1:6). On clay this year, Kotov has maintained a solid average of 71% points won on first serve.
Benjamin Hassan vs Pavel Kotov Prediction
While Hassan’s recent form has been poor, Kotov remains the more rounded and battle-tested player. With a clay-court win over Hassan already this season, Kotov looks well-placed to repeat the result.
