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
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-head: first meeting
Jan-Lennard Struff is an interesting player who always tends to show up strong when you least expect it. On this surface, with his booming serve and forehand, he could be quite a handful to contain. Nuno Borges is not known to be proficient on this surface, but the last couple of weeks have seen him show a growing level of confidence with no little skill. His first-round dismantling of Adrian Mannarino, a player who had been enjoying some good results of his own, was particularly impressive. Struff will test him, that much is sure, but I fancy the Portuguese to find the answers by just remaining solid at ATP Mallorca.
Prediction: Borges in 2
Damir Dzumhur vs Vit Kopriva
Head-to-head: first meeting
Dzumhur came through qualifying against some decent players. His reward is a match against Kopriva, who lost his only match on grass so far. This one is one of those matches where both players will fancy their chances. Kopriva is probably better suited to clay, but he still feels like the more well-rounded player. The grass courts of Mallorca are also not among the fastest, which could allow him to bring in some of his point-construction abilities and resilience. Ironically, the Bosnian will also prefer long, extended rallies, but in that regard, it feels like Kopriva’s ceiling is just about higher.
Prediction: Kopriva in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Ignacio Buse
When Stefanos Tsitsipas plays these days, nothing is guaranteed. He loses tamely when you least expect it, and then, again, reminds you of his quality with a strong performance. Against Ignacio Buse, he would have to be dialed in, as the Peruvian is more than capable of capitalizing on any lapses from the Greek. Tsitsipas, surprisingly, has also not found much success on grass. However, on a surface that can reward strong serving and a capable forehand, I think the Greek should take control at ATP Mallorca and deliver a performance more in keeping with his former self.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – Imagn Images
