Tennis Predictions for April 17th: Key Picks in Spain and Germany

BARCELONA, Spain — As tennis fans gear up for thrilling competitions this week, the ATP and WTA Tours highlight key matchups on Thursday, April 17th, featuring significant 500-level events in Barcelona, Munich, and Stuttgart.

Karen Khachanov, after a close victory over Cameron Norrie, faces Spaniard Jaume Munar in Barcelona. Khachanov enjoyed crowd support during his last match, but he may find fewer fans on his side this time. Munar, a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, is expected to attract strong local support, turning this match into a compelling 50-50 contest, where Munar appears to be a valuable underdog.

Despite his solid career clay record of 69-51, Khachanov’s strength lies in faster surfaces. The clay in Barcelona, known for slower bounces, may enable Munar’s agility and court coverage to neutralize Khachanov’s power shots. Munar has a reputation for exceptional returning skills, which could pressure Khachanov’s serve. Lapses in focus from the Russian may provide Munar with ample opportunities to break.

“Munar is a smart player who adjusts his strategy on the go, which could give him the edge,” a tennis analyst noted. “If he effectively mixes up his shots and keeps Khachanov guessing, he could exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.”

Therefore, the recommendation is Munar on the money line at +142.

Meanwhile, in Munich, Andrey Rublev aims to build momentum following a decisive 6-1, 6-3 victory over Jesper De Jong. Despite the buzz surrounding Rublev after enlisting former champion Marat Safin as his coach, his recent performances have raised questions. Facing Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, another Spaniard at home, Rublev might struggle with emotional management and performance under pressure.

“Davidovich Fokina poses a challenging matchup for Rublev due to his athleticism and baseline power, which could put him in a commanding position,” the analyst added. “While both players share erratic tendencies, Fokina appears to be in a better form, which is crucial in these tight matches.”

For this match, betting on Davidovich Fokina at +106 seems promising.

In another match, Ugo Humbert‘s injury concerns may hinder his performance against Hungarian player Zsombor Marozsan. Humbert’s previous win against Nicolas Jarry does not overshadow ongoing worries regarding his hand injury. Despite winning three of his last four matches, Marozsan presents consistent pressure, with a unique ability to vary his shots and exploit Humbert’s weaknesses.

If Humbert’s hand remains a problem, Marozsan at +105 could offer great value in a matchup where health significantly influences the outcome.

There’s been considerable action on the Pro Picks page, where tennis enthusiasts can find more detailed insights and bets leading up to the weekend’s pivotal Grand Slam events. Updates on challenger levels will also be available exclusively, offering fans various betting opportunities.