The start of the ATP season in Pune gets off on Day 1, where several interesting matchups take to the court. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on the matches. Who do you think will win? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
ATP Pune Day 1 Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Head-to-head: 4-1 (All Challengers)
A first main tour meeting between the two Spaniards only ranked two places apart in the world rankings. The pair have played five times in the past however not only were all on the Challenger Tour but all were on clay which perhaps doesn’t give a great insight into what to expect on the hardcourts in Pune. Both men don’t have great results on this surface with all of their success coming on the clay but the older Spaniard in Carballes Baena is been the better of the two.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: 0-0
There was once upon a time where Griekspoor’s career looked so promising, but now at 26 years of age and ranked #95 in the world that isn’t very much the case. In Munar’s case, given his style it’s no surprise his success like many other Spaniards has come on the clay and not the hard courts. Despite Griekspoor being the lower ranked of the two, a match like this is firmly in his hands. With Munar you know you’re going to get consistency off the baseline but he’ll never dictate play nor will he dominate with his serve. Whether or not the Dutchman can step up to the line and hit through the Spaniard is the big question.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Filip Krajinovic vs Sumit Nagal
Head-to-head: Krajinovic 1-0
Only a few years ago the Indian was close to the Top 100. Now ranked outside the Top 500 he’s needed a wild card to get into his home event in Pune. With under 10 wins in all of 2022 including the Challenger Tour, it’s a huge jump up going from the players he has beaten to a consistent Top 100 player. Despite still not having a title on the ATP Tour, the Serbian will fancy his chances of a first one coming this week and to be honest, given the backhand he possesses it would be a shame if one didn’t come his way.
Prediction: Krajinovic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
