Day 3 in Marrakech features #2 seed Dan Evans starting his campaign for a first clay court final on the ATP Tour alongside Tallon Griekspoor, who’s already enjoying a great start to the year including a title in India.
ATP Marrakech Day 3 Predictions
Jaume Munar vs Andrea Vavassori
Head-to-head: 0-0
Despite being ranked outside the Top 200, the qualifier put in an absolutely stunning first round performance to beat Nicolas Jarry, the champion just a few weeks ago in Santiago. The big question is now backing it up against another player who thrives on the dirt in Munar. For the high standards the Spaniard has set himself over the years, it’s been a rather disappointing 2023 with just four wins on the main tour leading to dropping outside the world’s top 80. Munar is solid but Vavassori might well have a chance here if he can redline again. This might not be as one sided as some expect.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Elias Ymer vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: 0-0
Where do I start with the Dutchman’s 2023? Starting with a title in India, he’s only gone and backed it up fairly well only losing to current Top 10 players since in Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Rublev, Sinner, and Alcaraz. It’s safe to say he’s been unlucky with draws! Keeping that all in mind, he’s beating the players he should beat and up against the Swede who’s won just two main draw matches in the past five months, it’s hard to see this one being competitive. Griekspoor is simply better and more solid in every way.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Dimitar Kuzmanov
Head-to-head: 0-0
Another match which seems somewhat of a mismatch on paper. Kuzmanov’s done well to qualify here and win his first round match but at the same time did so without playing anyone in the world’s top 100 so it’s hard to gage where his game is at. The Spaniard is having a horrible year despite a first round win against world #38 Maxime Cressy who’s not the greatest on clay to say the least. With Carballes Baena you know what you’re going to get, a typical Spaniard who grinds away on the dirt fighting for every point and there’s a reason why his opponent is ranked outside the top 200. Expect Carballes Baena to win a majority of longer rallies and force his opponent into a huge number of unforced errors.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 2
Alexei Popyrin vs Dan Evans
Head-to-head: Evans 2-0
Without a doubt the highlight of the round is this match. Both top 100 players with titles on the ATP scrapping away just to make the last 16 of an ATP 250 event. Evans has had the best of the young Australian in their two meetings in the past on grass and hard but on clay that could be a very different story with the Brit’s slice, variety, and net game not being as effective as on faster surfaces. With all of that in mind, Evans is currently on a six match losing streak and playing some of his worst tennis in years. Popyrin’s game doesn’t exactly suit the dirt either but if the 32 year old plays like he has the last few months it’s hard to see the 23-year-old losing this.
Prediction: Popyrin in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
