Rafael Nadal has won ATP Barcelona 12 times, and despite his still being an active player, the main court is already named after him. The Spaniard played his first clay match in 22 months on Tuesday, defeating Flavio Cobolli in the opening round. Up next for him is a thrilling battle with fourth seed Alex de Minaur. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Barcelona Day 3 Predictions
Jordan Thompson vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Munar 1-0
Jordan Thompson has developed his game so much over the years and is currently fighting to be seeded at the next two Slams, but his performances on clay will likely never get to an amazing standard. His brilliant first serve is a bit neutralized by the slower courts and the lack of depth on the forehand hurts even more. His chances against a grinder like Jaume Munar don’t seem that great, and the Spaniard took him down at Roland Garros three years ago.
Prediction: Munar in 2
Marco Trungelliti vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-head: 1-1
Marco Trungelliti is quietly enjoying a very strong season. He returned to the winners’ circle at the Challenger level after five years in Kigali and has now picked up his first-ever ATP 500 win at the age of 34. The Grand Slam qualifying legend doesn’t have to be a total outsider here, especially with Nicolas Jarry’s big-hitting game often lacking consistency. However, it would be unfair to Chileans to view him as the underdog.
Prediction: Jarry in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal
Head-to-head: Nadal 3-1
Rafael Nadal is back, and his defeat of Flavio Cobolli gave us some intel, but this will be a better indicator. His service motion looked very economical, and it could be abused by a better player who wouldn’t struggle against the lefty topspin as much as the Italian on his backhand side. Now Nadal is facing an in-form opponent who’s defeated him before, and while Alex de Minaur isn’t a clay god, he’ll make it more physical and should be perceived as a slight favorite with all the bits of info we have on the 12-time champion of this event so far.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
