L. van Assche has been inconsistent recently, going 3–2 over the last five matches. Form is mixed — DS ranging from -21.6 to 10.3, with at least one match where L. van Assche was clearly outplayed. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 5.8/10, leaving L. van Assche vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure.

M. Kukushkin comes into this match in difficult form — 1 wins from the last 5. Point statistics tell a concerning story — average DS of -6.9, meaning M. Kukushkin has been on the wrong side of most exchanges over five matches. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 5.9/10, leaving M. Kukushkin vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure.