Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jaume Munar: Barcelona Open 2021 Prediction | Preview | H2H Analysis

The second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas commences his campaign at the ATP-500 Barcelona Open with a clash against Jaume Munar in the second round. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jaume Munar: Preview

Fresh from a maiden ATP Masters 1000 win at the Monte Carlo Open, Tsitsipas will be oozing with confidence to continue his fantastic form on clay. 

On the other hand, Munar, the World number 86 overcame the higher-ranked Brazilian Monteiro 6-3 7-5 in the first round. The Spaniard clinched 73% of his first-serve points and also saved 7 out of 8 breakpoints. 

The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM Central European Time.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jaume Munar: Head to Head Record

Tsitsipas leads the head-to-head record 2-0 against Jaume Munar. The two players have met each other on the red dirt before when the Greek edged past Munar in five sets in the first round of the French Open 2020. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jaume Munar: Recent Performance on the Tour

Having won 5 matches in a row without dropping a set, Tsitsipas could not have asked for a better start to his European clay-court season. The Greek lost in the pre-quarterfinals to Jan Lennard Struff in three sets in the last-held Barcelona Open in 2019. Hence, he will target a deep run this time.

"Great to be in the lead to the ATP Finals in Turin, I am not trying to think of it too much because, again, many tournaments in front of me, I am going to recalibrate, refocus, attention is now in Barcelona, my body is feeling good, I am really pumped to go for some more points the next couple of weeks," said Tsitsipas confident and focussed on putting a good show in the Barcelona Open.

Munar has also been in great touch after finishing as the runner-up in the ATP-250 Andalucia Open this month. He lost to the World number 13 Pablo Carreno Busta in three sets in the finals.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jaume Munar: Game Analysis

A key to the success of Tsitsipas has been winning more than 70-80% of points on his first serve. He also has a strong return of serve hitting shots at the opponent's backhand corner. 

The Greek possesses strong weapons with a deep forehand and a powerful down-the-line backhand. 

Jaume Munar has rock-solid defense on the red dirt. He has a good second serve having won 64.6% of points on it in the last five matches. 

The Spaniard is not great in breakpoint conversion and that could hurt his chances when he tries to break the serve of  Stefanos Tsitsipas. Munar can unsettle the Greek with his patient style of play. 

Tsitsipas will aim to get off to a strong start. Though he may be a bit tired after the title run in Monte Carlo in the previous week, his intelligent point construction strategies and uplifting his game in the crucial moment gives him a slight edge against the Spaniard.

Prediction - Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in straight sets against Jaume Munar

Featured Image Credits - Agence France-Presse (AFP)