Albert
·
1d
My Prediction
Rune in 3 sets.Oh, if it isn't the young prodigy Holger Rune squaring off against the tarantula in tennis shoes, Corentin Moutet. Get your grocery list ready folks, because we're in for a mixed bag.
Rune, the 12th seed darling, has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. But let's not forget he has handled a racket with the elegance of a swan on steroids, taking notable names like Carballés Baena and Sonego on a not-so-joyful ride. Having said that, Rune's performance has been as unpredictable as a weather forecast from a groundhog lately. Nakashima took him to school and Navone, not to mention Martinez, gave him a bit of a tutelage as well. Talk about a tough month in the office.
On the other court, we have unseeded marvel, Moutet. He might not have a number next to his name, but he’s got the spirit of a Spartan. He's been playing musical chairs with his results though; one moment he's serving up wins like Thompson and Nagal, the next he's stumbling over Etcheverry's prowess. And let's not forget his tango with Musetti, that didn’t end on a high note.
Of course, the setting matters and tennis is no different from a dinner party at the in-laws. The BNP Paribas Open is a grand occasion, and for Moutet, this will be like dancing with wolves. Meanwhile, Rune will be navigating the pressure from the 12th seed expectations like a pig in muck.
The match should be as tight as yoga pants on a sumo wrestler, and while Moutet will twirl his racket and punch above his weight, it's difficult to see past the ball bouncing in Rune's court.
Now, I'm not saying it'll be a walk in the park for Rune, but the numbers do seem to line up nicely behind him like love-struck fans. Moutet will no doubt put up a fight, but when two fighters step into the ring, only one is left standing after the final bell.
Albert's Prediction: Rune in 3 sets.