Casper Ruud lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Monte Carlo final last week, but it was still a week of firsts for the Norwegian: his first ATP 1000 final on clay and his first win over the World No. 1. He’ll try to keep that form going at ATP Barcelona as he takes on Alexandre Muller in the second round. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Barcelona Day 3 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: First meeting
Great shotmaking is pretty much ensured with this matchup, as both players are among the most entertaining to watch on tour. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina withdrew from Estoril with a tooth infection and only won three games against Sebastian Korda in Monte Carlo. He’ll need to be a lot sharper here, and while Tomas Machac will likely have the least success on clay when it comes to his surface breakdown on the main tour, he already has one match under his belt here (and a very solid win at that) definitely helps.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Fabian Marozsan vs Luca Van Assche
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fabian Marozsan was the player who moved to a seeded position after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew, and he’ll start his event in the second round. The Hungarian was fantastic during the Sunshine Double, and clay is pretty much his natural surface, especially with his trademark drop shot. His all-out aggression should be pretty troubling for Luca Van Assche, and it feels like a matchup where Marozsan will get to play most points on his own terms.
Prediction: Marozsan in 2
Daniel Altmaier vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: 1-1
It’s clear that Arthur Fils will be stronger during the European clay season than he was during the horrific Golden Swing, but it’s not like he’s setting the world on fire right now either. The Frenchman could really use a big run to get himself back on track, as this year so far is not working out as planned. Daniel Altmaier has the clay-court experience to make this one a battle, but the heavy forehand of Fils can reign supreme as long as the youngster is keeping it within the lines.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Alexandre Muller vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: Ruud 1-0
Casper Ruud’s Monte Carlo run was fantastic, but the performance in the final left a bit of a sour taste. Once again, the Norwegian had an opportunity to pick up a title above the ATP 250 level, and while losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas is nothing to be ashamed of, he was barely competitive in that one for most of the match. Still, his form this year has been stellar, and he’s even playing more aggressively than before. Alexandre Muller likely won’t be too much of an issue for the 3-time Grand Slam runner-up.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
