Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Justin Engel

ATP Kitzbühel 1st Round Preview: Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Justin Engel

🧠 Form & Context

Thiago Seyboth Wild
🎯 Clay-court specialist: 215 of his 260 career wins have come on clay; all 14 of his 2025 victories are on this surface.
🔥 Big-stage pedigree: Former ATP title winner and French Open shocker (beat Medvedev in 2023), known for explosive baseline power.
📉 Recent form shaky: Reached the Modena Challenger final earlier this month but exited Bastad qualies and has lost 6 of his last 9.
🇦🇹 Kitzbühel comfort: Quarterfinalist in 2024, Round of 16 in 2023—his topspin-heavy game thrives at altitude.

Justin Engel
🧒 Rising prodigy: Only 17, Engel is already turning heads with a win over Struff in Hamburg and a close match against Rublev.
📊 Mixed surface résumé: 11–14 on clay and 3–3 on grass in 2025; he’s faced and beaten several top-100 opponents.
🎾 Upset potential: Knocked out Michelsen and Duckworth in Stuttgart and made the QF in San Marino last week.
🆚 Kitzbühel debut: First ATP main draw appearance on clay above Challenger level.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This clash pits Seyboth Wild’s raw clay power and Kitzbühel experience against Engel’s youthful momentum and tactical maturity. The Brazilian will look to dominate with his topspin forehand and exploit Engel’s weaker second serve early. His success on altitude clay gives him a clear comfort advantage.

Engel, however, has already shown he can handle ATP-level pace and pressure. He’s a gritty baseliner with strong rally discipline and has grown sharper in mid-match adjustments. If he withstands the opening burst and extends rallies, the teenager has the stamina to test Seyboth Wild’s recent inconsistencies.

But Engel's inexperience at this level, especially on clay, could be exposed if Wild controls early tempo. Key factor: first-strike efficiency by the Brazilian.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3 sets
Engel will likely grab a set with his counterpunching and tenacity, but Wild's clay comfort and superior firepower at altitude should see him over the line in a competitive opener.