The ATP Mallorca Championships will feature a mix of first- and second-round matches on Tuesday. Though he once reached the Wimbledon semifinals, is Roberto Bautista Agut still up to the challenge of facing Ugo Humbert? Besides, the French No. 2 seed performs superbly on grass. In a different post, we also make predictions for the remaining matches of the day. Who do you believe will win?
ATP Mallorca Predictions for Day 3
Luciano Darderi versus Sebastian Ofner
Comparatively, Darderi won 1-0.
Luciano Darderi’s grass debut is going remarkably well; just last week in Halle, he came dangerously close to defeating Jan-Lennard Struff. In his professional career, he had only participated in three matches on this surface prior to this year. The Italian’s serve in particular has some fast-court promise, but his topspin forehand doesn’t have to adapt too well to faster conditions. Even though Darderi completely destroyed Sebastian Ofner on the court in Cordoba earlier this year, this still feels a little more like his racket on grass.
Prediction: Ofner in 3
Alex Michelsen vs. Adrian Mannarino
Comparison: Mannarino 1-0
This year’s Tour-level final on the grass in Newport is still the pinnacle of Alex Michelsen’s career. The American was seen as a dark horse for the 2024 grass swing after that run, but things haven’t been going well for him thus far. With Adrian Mannarino struggling almost everywhere this year, including on his favorite surface, he feels like a huge underdog in this match. To try to prevent the upset here, the No. 3 seed will need to get his problems sorted out immediately.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Bautista Agut wins the match 1-0.
On grass, both players are exceptional, and their flat hitting is greatly enhanced by the court’s low bounce. Despite having quite different playstyles, they both use this to their advantage to terrorize their opponents on this surface. With his best year yet, Ugo Humbert has a good chance of defeating the veteran here. At this point in his career, Bautista Agut may find it difficult to take the fire if he is hitting well.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
