Tuesday brings us a mix of first- and second-round clashes at the ATP Mallorca Championships. Roberto Bautista Agut is a former Wimbledon semifinalist, but does he still have enough to handle Ugo Humbert? After all, the French No. 2 seed is excellent on grass as well. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Mallorca Day 3 Predictions
Sebastian Ofner vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: Darderi 1-0
Luciano Darderi is having a surprisingly good start to his grass journey, almost beating Jan-Lennard Struff in Halle last week. Before this year, he had only played three matches on this surface in his pro career. The Italian has some fast-court potential with his serve especially, but the topspin forehand doesn’t need to translate to quicker conditions too well. Sebastian Ofner got blown off the court by Darderi in Cordoba earlier this year, but on grass this still feels a bit more on his racket.
Prediction: Ofner in 3
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Adrian Mannarino vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: Mannarino 1-0
This was a Tour-level final on grass in Newport last year, which remains the biggest achievement of Alex Michelsen’s career. Because of that run the American was perceived as a dark horse for the 2024 grass swing, but so far it’s not been working out for him. He feels like a very live underdog here though with Adrian Mannarino having a rough time pretty much anywhere this year, even on his beloved surface. The No. 3 seed will need to sort out his issues quickly to try to avoid the upset here.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut 1-0
Both players are phenomenal on grass with their flat-hitting getting a huge boost on a low-bouncing court. Their playstyles are completely different, but that’s something that they both utilize to give their opponents nightmares on this surface. Ugo Humbert is at the peak of his powers this year and should like his chances against the veteran here. If he’s hitting well, Bautista Agut might struggle to handle the heat at this stage of his career.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
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Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
