Hubert Hurkacz will take on Pedro Martinez in the 2024 ATP Estoril Open final. The second seed hasn’t had to face a top 100 opponent yet, while the underdog is coming off the biggest win of his career. Who do you think will claim the title?
ATP Estoril Final Prediction
Hubert Hurkacz vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 3-0 Martinez
Hurkacz had never made a final (or even a semifinal) on clay at tour-level, but partially that’s due to the Pole’s scheduling on this surface being so focused on big events every year. He’ll never be a master of this surface, but can display plenty of rally tolerance at times. The serve while less effective still forces the opponents to be very focused on their own delivery, something that plenty of clay specialists struggle with.
Meanwhile, Martinez has had a very strong six months or so, solidifying his Top 100 status with three Challenger titles. This week he’s knocking it out of the park though, especially with a three-hour victory over Casper Ruud. The confidence the Spaniard is playing with at the moment is just incredible and in that semifinal he wouldn’t let any opportunity to attack fly past him. Right after scoring his first-ever Top 10 win, he’ll need to produce another to try claiming his second ATP Tour title.
Hurkacz defeated Martinez in all three previous meetings, but the Spaniard should take some comfort in the fact their tightest match came on clay courts at Monte Carlo. Then there’s also the question of fitness as Martinez is coming off a long week in Girona already, now into another final and played his marathon with Ruud after Hurkacz wrapped up his semifinal. The level on display in his final four battle was just incredible, but a battle like that leaves its mark both physically and mentally. That’s why the big-serving Pole remains the favorite, despite his opponent’s clay-court mastery and incredible level all week.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
