Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction | 2024 Barcelona Open | Second Round
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 500
When is Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal will take place on Wednesday 17th April, 2024 – not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal will take place at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain
What surface is Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal will take place on an outdoor clay court
Where can I get tickets for Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal
What channel is Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal on in the UK? Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Alex de Minaur vs Rafael Nadal live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
Former world number one and eight-time Barcelona Open champion Rafael Nadal made a successful return to tour on Monday, following a three-month absence through injury, to beat Flavio Cobolli in convincing straight sets. The 37-year-old, currently ranked outside the top 600 on tour, has called 2024 his last season as a professional tennis player after struggling to maintain his fitness in recent years but optimism should be measured after he started his campaign in Brisbane in similar fashion back in January. World number 11 Alex de Minaur spent many of his formative years plying his trade on the Barcelona clay but he has yet to claim a clay-court title amidst his eight trophies to date. The 25-year-old impressed in Monte-Carlo last week, reaching the quarter-finals before defeat to world number one Novak Djokovic, but this will be a totally different test against an icon playing in front of adoring home fans.
De Minaur will have to play the match, and not the occasion, if he is to get anything from this potential thriller. The Aussie beat Nadal for the first time at the United Cup, in Australia, last season but Nadal leads their head-to-head 3-1 and until the Spaniard’s body shows signs of failing he should be considered the favourite in these conditions. Notably, De Minaur has taken at least a set from their last two matches so consider backing the Aussie to snatch one here or take the more cautious move in the same option for Nadal.
TIP: RAFAEL NADAL TO WIN A SET
