ATP Cup 2021 Prediction: Agut vs Pervolarakis | Nadal vs Tsitsipas

Last year runner-ups Spain will aim to clinch a semifinal berth as they take on Greece in the ATP Cup at Melbourne Park.

Despite not having the services of Rafael Nadal who pulled out of the match due to a stiff lower back, Spain went on to beat the hosts Australia 3-0. 

Greece lost its opening match 2-1 to Australia. This is a must-win match for Greece to stay in the hunt for a spot in the semis. 

1) Roberto Bautista Agut vs Michail Pervolarakis

Agut overcame Alex de Minaur in three sets in his opening match. He maintained his unbeaten record in the tournament. The Spaniard won 80% of his first-serve points.

On the other hand, Pervolarakis was comprehensively beaten (6-2 6-3) by John Millman. He failed to convert a single breakpoint out of four opportunities. The Greek won only 50% of his second serve points. Pervolarakis also lost the deciding doubles encounter partnering Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets.

Agut's counterpunching skills and calmness under pressure may prove to be tough to handle for the World number 462.

This is the first meeting between Agut and Pervolarakis on the ATP Tour. 

Prediction - Roberto Bautista Agut to win in three sets

2) Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas

After not playing the first match for his side, Rafael Nadal would be inching to get back on court after a 2-day break. 

The Spaniard will look not to exert himself too much as there are only a few days left for the Australian Open to begin and getting an injury now would be the worst possible start for his season. He leads the head to head record 6-1 against Tsitsipas.

Nadal lost two singles matches in straight sets in last year's edition against David Goffin and Novak Djokovic. He has a 4-2 win-loss record in the ATP Cup. 

Tsitsipas beat de Minaur 6-3 7-5 in his opening match. He won 74% of his points on the first serve and also converted 3 out of 5 breakpoints. 

However, the Greek could not pull off the win for his team in the crucial doubles encounter. Tsitsipas has a 2-2 win-loss record in the ATP Cup. 

Nadal's top-spin heavy forehand will have to be at its best against Tsitsipas who possesses impressive court coverage and a clever variety of shots. 

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in three sets 

3 - The doubles combinations has not been decided by the teams yet. Spain will most likely go for their winning pair of Pablo Carreno Busta/ Marcel Granollers. Greece can go for either the same duo of Tsitsipas/Pervolarakis or try out a new pair in Markos Kalovelonis/ Petros Tsitsipas

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