The first round of the 2025 Canadian Open presents an intriguing clash between Croatia’s Borna Coric (No. 92) and Italy’s Matteo Gigante (No. 121) on the hard courts of Toronto.
Borna Coric has a 26-9 win-loss record in 2025, though he’s been dealing with injury concerns. His last competitive match was against Titouan Droguet in Roland Garros qualifying, which he lost 1-2. The Croatian veteran has been working his way back to full fitness after an extended period away from the tour.
Matteo Gigante enters with a 24-17 win-loss record in 2025. His best result this season was winning the Rome Challenger, where he defeated Vilius Gaubas 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the final. His most recent match was a loss to Lukas Klein in San Marino.
The surface advantage slightly favors Coric, who despite limited recent hard court action, has extensive experience at this level. Gigante is playing his first hard court match in four months, which could prove crucial in the opening stages.
Coric has won 7 of his last 10 matches, suggesting decent form despite the injury layoff. However, match fitness remains a question mark for the former world No. 12.
Coric’s experience and hard-court pedigree give him a slight edge, despite his injury layoff. Gigante’s flair could win him a set, but Coric’s consistency should prevail.
Prediction: Coric in three sets.
