The Open de Moselle in Metz kicks off this week with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet looking to regain French pride.
Both Tsonga and Gasquet are returning home after a difficult Davis Cup weekend at the hands of the Spanish. They suffered heavy straight sets losses to Rafael Nadal as their country went down 4-1 and now they face a quick surface change to the fast indoor carpet of Metz.
They are the top two seeds this week and fortunately for them, the top four all get first round byes in Metz so they may have until Thursday to adjust.
Tsonga does not have the best of draws as he could face Davis Cup teammate Michael Llodra in the quarters. Llodra is extremely dangerous indoors with his attacking serve-volley game and is easily capable of going all the way.
Third seed Alex Dolgopolov is seeded to meet Tsonga in the semis but the Ukrainian has not enjoyed so much success indoors and could face the ever dangerous Marcos Baghdatis in round one.
Gasquet’s draw is kinder and his first test will probably come against the in-form Gilles Muller in the last eight. Muller’s gigantic leftie serve and heavy forehand will always make him a threat on a surface this quick.
The main obstacle to a French champion this week could be seventh seed Philipp Kohlschreiber but the German has not been at his best for some time.
