AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Draft Central is extending the fantasy tennis coverage throughout the ATP and WTA seasons to simulate tournaments and see just how they might have gone down. The next ATP instalment is the Estoril Open with reigning champion and fan favourite Stefanos Tsitsipas looking to go back-to-back. It will be a real battle of the young guns with a host of the up and coming top talent set to fight it out.

FAVOURITE:

Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)

Commonly known as the Greek-freak, Tsitsipas has not only become a fan favourite but so too a force to be reckoned with out on the court. At only 21, he has already made a name for himself able to compete with the best in the business and most importantly win titles when they are there for the taking. While four of his five titles throughout his short career have come on hard court, Tsitsipas proved last year just how damaging he can be on clay court taking out the Estoril Open. There is no denying that Tsitsipas is a true competitor quickly blossoming into one of the biggest competitors in tennis with his ability to cover the court with ease and deliver an array of shots something he will be hoping to replicate once again this tournament. The world number six is cool, calm and collected for the most part and uses his strong serve to blow opponents out of the water.

CONTENDERS:

Gael Monfils (France)

Frenchman, Monfils is a real powerhouse given his towering height and strong serve. He is quite athletic able to cover the court quite well considering his stature. The 33-year-old has tasted his fair share of success throughout his career and 2020 is no different with Monfils already claiming two titles. Expect that winning feeling to spur him on and look to add to his trophy cabinet at the Estoril Open. Currently ranked ninth in the world and reaching as high as sixth in 2016 the French star would be keen to climb up the rankings once again and assert himself as a damaging opponent.

Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland)

The 35-year-old Swiss star knows what it takes to win on the big stage and is renowned for his competitive spirit. He is no easy beat, constantly pushing opponents to their wits end with his persistent and clever shot play. Wawrinka has not won a title since 2017 and will be wanting to change that dry spell with a hard-fought title at the Estoril Open. While he might be heading towards the end of his career he is still a force to be reckoned with given his experience and on-court smarts. although he is predominantly stronger and has had more success on hard courts when it comes to titles, Wawrinka has also shown that he can get the job done on clay with six titles to his name.

Alex de Minaur (Australia)

The young Australian has come along in leaps and bounds in recent years. His grit and determination is something to behold often fighting back to put up a real contest and showcase his skill. The 21-year-old still has plenty of development left in him and generates plenty of excitement when on court. 2019 proved to be an impressive year for the Aussie winning three titles and will be looking to get back on the winners list here at the Estoril Open. Currently ranked number 26 in the world, de Minaur has progressed as far as 18 late last year, a feat he will be hoping to emulate sometime soon. Last year he was knocked out in the Round of 16 so expect him to come back with a vengeance this year.

ROUGHIE:

Nick Kyrgios (Australia)

There is no denying that Kyrgios is both a livewire on and off the court. The highly touted Australian tennis star has proven that he has the class to mix it with the best but just needs to find that consistency to really assert himself on the tennis world. He is one of the most exciting players to watch with his showman like performances and silky skills often catching opponents off-guard. Although he can be costly at times with his outbursts, Kyrgios has the firepower on the serve to dismantle opponents. Currently sitting outside the top 20 at 40 in the world, Kyrgios would be keen to make his way up the ladder and reclaim his 2016 ranking of 13. The fiery 25-year-old is not afraid to throw everything on the line and do the unthinkable but is a real unknown quantity.

DAK HORSE:

Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay)

The 2019 Estoril Open proved to be a huge tournament for the Uruguay star who announced himself as a real threat with his silky smooth tennis abilities. Cuevas made it all the way to the big dance but eventually fell short to Tsitsipas in what was an impressive performance from the 34-year-old. After turning pro in 2004, Cuevas has made his mark on the tennis world moving as high as 19 in the world back in 2016. Despite currently sitting at 60 the Uruguay star is familiar with the Estoril Open and knows what it takes and more importantly will be hoping to go one better this year.