The 2023 ATP Mallorca Open is coming to an end with a very exciting final. Christopher Eubanks will be seeking to confirm his Top 50 spot and win his maiden ATP Tour title. Trying to stop him will be the grass-court wizard, Adrian Mannarino. Who do you think will prevail?
Adrian Mannarino vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-head: Eubanks 1-0
Adrian Mannarino is playing some fantastic tennis this grass-court swing with the quarterfinals in both Hertogenbosch and Queen’s Club. The Frenchman has an excellent 88-57 win/loss record on the lawn across all levels of competition and is a nightmare to play in low-bouncing conditions. This week, he barely survived an all-lefty battle with Guido Pella before going on to beat Corentin Moutet and Yannick Hanfmann.
Christopher Eubanks qualified for both Stuttgart and Halle, but ended up losing in the opening round of the main draw at both. Mallorca has just had him involved in a constant battle with six tie-breaks played in four matches. His compatriots Alex Michelsen and Ben Shelton came close to eliminating him, but it was nothing compared to the thriller against Lloyd Harris. Eubanks saved five match points, including a 0-40 hole on serve to win 4-6 6-3 7-6 (9) and make his first ATP Tour final.
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Eubanks beat Mannarino in their only meeting so far at Miami earlier this year. That was the tournament where he had his breakthrough run and broke he Top 100. Right now, he’s very likely to find himself inside the Top 50 after Mallorca. It’s tough to give an edge to either player here. Eubanks’s ground game is actually better on hard courts usually, but the courts at this event are known for their unlike grass qualities and a number of bad bounces. In theory, Mannarino’s style should work really well here. The Frenchman excels at keeping the ball low and putting the opponent in uncomfortable spots. As a very tall player, Eubanks doesn’t enjoy having to bend his knees that low.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
