With the Wimbledon qualifiers kicking off today, it becomes even more evident how important the ATP Mallorca tournament is for many players hoping to build momentum and conditioning before the third Grand Slam of the year begins. There’s also the opportunity to win a trophy here in what is a depleted but competitive field.
As always, we cover all tour-level competitive matches, providing predictions and insights as we near the commencement of Wimbledon. Let’s dive in.
ATP Mallorca Day 3 Predictions
Yannick Hanfmann vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: Darderi 4-0
Luciano Darderi makes his first outing on grass in this one against a player whom he has completely dominated in the head-to-head. Hanfmann has already benefited from a runout on this surface, securing a competitive straight-sets victory in his opening matches. Their previous matches raise some concern for his chances, but this will be their first match on grass, which should offer him more of a chance, you’d think, which is also reflected in the odds for both players. I expect it’ll take Darderi some time coming to terms with the surface, but I think he will continue his positive run against the German at ATP Mallorca.
Prediction: Darderi in 3
Lorenzo Sonego vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Sonego 4-2
Lorenzo Sonego got a much-needed win in his first outing after a testing period for the Italian. Kecmanovic fought back from a set down to win his first match here. Sonego was a bit wasteful in his first match, spraying a few routine shots wide. Against a player as steady as Kecmanovic, that could be the match lost right there, as you expect he’ll keep baiting the Italian into making more of those errors. It promises to be an entertaining clash of styles, but I like the Serbs’ chances better.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
Fabian Marozsan vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: first meeting
Tabilo has played only one match on grass so far this season, following a decent run at the French Open. His opponent has had more game time on the green turf, including a victory here in Mallorca. Overall, Tabilo is having the better season and probably comes into this with a bit more of the wind in his back. However, on this particular surface, the Hungarian game is probably more suited. Coupled with the time he has already spent on the surface, I believe he should come out of what is sure to be a competitive match victorious at ATP Mallorca.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Marc Polmans vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: first meeting
Grigor Dimitrov has been struggling with form and fitness for a while now. That is probably what opens the door for the Australian, Polmans, as otherwise, on grass, you would expect the Bulgarians’ shot-making to be too much for him. Polmans came through qualifying rather easily. Dimitrov has also had some time on the grass courts, having played a few matches at the Challenger level. It means he comes into this one with some match readiness, and that spells trouble for Polmans.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
