The always-popular ATP event in Umag will conclude this Saturday, with a very interesting final in prospect between Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, two players who love playing on clay and have been playing some amazing tennis this week. Musetti is the favorite going in, but Cerundolo definitely has his chances.
ATP Umag Final Prediction
Francisco Cerundolo vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: Musetti 2-0 Cerundolo
Musetti has been in amazing form recently, backing up his run to the Wimbledon semifinals with this run here in Umag. He will match his career high of #15 with the title and will go short on rest but high on confidence to Paris to fight for an Olympic medal. Cerundolo has been playing quite well this week too, as shown by his straight set victory Friday over Andrey Rublev, and he will certainly believe his chances of a title here.
Both of their previous meetings were on clay and ended with Musetti straight set victories; ultimately, while Cerundolo is a very solid player on this surface, Musetti seems to be a few levels higher especially as far as talent and potential are concerned. He seems to finally be somewhat fulfilling that talent and translating it into great results, so he absolutely has to be considered a favorite here.
With that said, on paper he has a great draw in Paris to fight for a medal and will have to fly to Paris immediately after this final to play Monfils the following day–that is something that could perhaps play on his mind a bit and affect his performance. If he is not 100% focused and playing well, Cerundolo is definitely playing well enough to beat him and take the title. In any case, it should be a great match full of great rallies and highlight reel points to put an end to a great week in Umag.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
