Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Stuttgart match.
A pivotal phase of the season begins for Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, as he aims to retain valuable ranking points earned during last year’s grass-court stretch — including qualifying campaigns in Stuttgart and London, and a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon. The surface plays to his strengths, and it's clear he is targeting this segment of the calendar. By contrast, Roman Safiullin is still trying to find his rhythm after a string of underwhelming performances on hard and clay courts.
Roman Safiullin
Currently ranked No. 72 in the ATP standings, Roman Safiullin has recorded nine wins against 12 defeats this season, including just one victory in four attempts against top-50 opponents. His first-serve numbers have been below par (64% success rate and 68% of points won), and he averages three double faults per match. While he did make a notable run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023, his track record in Stuttgart is poor — just one win in the past three years, and that came during qualifying.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Currently ranked No. 37, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has consistently delivered results on grass — registering 10 wins and four losses on the surface last year. His booming serve, attacking baseline play, and frequent forays to the net are well-suited to grass courts. So far this year, he has secured 12 victories from 23 matches, with all wins coming against players ranked outside the top 50 — a group that includes Roman Safiullin. His first serve has been dominant in 2025, winning 80% of points, and he is averaging an impressive 18 aces per match.
Roman Safiullin vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard Prediction
When considering surface, form, and overall playing style, the advantage clearly lies with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Roman Safiullin has struggled to deliver consistent results in Stuttgart, whereas the Frenchman has shown he can comfortably dispatch players ranked below him. Expect Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to progress with minimal resistance.
