The fans should at the ATP Estoril Open should be in for an entertaining clash in the final when Frances Tiafoe takes on Sebastian Baez. Both men will no doubt believe that they have what it takes to win the title in Portugal, but who will come out on top?
ATP Estoril Final Prediction
Frances Tiafoe vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s a second tour-level final on the clay for Frances Tiafoe Tiafoe and the second time that he has gone deep at the ATP Estoril Open. His record at this event are considerably better than at any other tournaments on the dirt. Baez played his first ATP final at Santiago earlier this year, not being able to keep up his level when it mattered the most. The Argentinian should have a slightly easier time withstanding the pressure now, having experienced defeat against Pedro Martinez.
Both players have found themselves on the edge of defeat multiple times this week. The American has spent a lot more time on the court, going to a deciding set in every match and surviving long thrillers against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Sebastian Korda. While Baez lost a set on three occasions, his matches were much shorter. Should it go to a decider again, the 21-year-old might have an edge physically.
The Argentinian plays a forehand-oriented style, trying to dictate the baseline rallies off that wing. The consistency of this shot is not always there though and he will need to be careful to try to remain aggressive, but keep the error count low. Meanwhile, Tiafoe’s forehand is likely going to be a target for Baez to try to exploit. Especially on clay, that stroke can lack depth and is nowhere near as consistent as his backhand. The American’s weaknesses might be easier for Baez to point out then the other way around. The longer the match goes, the more the 21-year-old should develop an advantage in terms of fitness.
Prediction: Baez in 3
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