Some show!

A very beautiful poster and an interesting clash of styles, we’re in for a treat

Moutet in good form, Musetti still on the comeback trail, I want to believe there’s a chance for the Frenchman but he pulled out of doubles because of a right wrist injury, and we know his history with that injury so I’m pretty worried. Or maybe it’s just an “excuse” to stay fresh and give himself a shot in the tournament, but he could’ve just mentioned fatigue, for example. Big warning sign then, and I think we’ll see quickly if Moutet is really injured, he can switch back into that backhand-slice mode like back in the day. Otherwise it’s a shame because his first round was great, a 4 and 4 win over Buse in a match he really dominated without being too flashy/passive, just what was needed. I still find him very good this season but he’s not managing to beat top players for now, and Musetti on clay is one of them.

The Italian is one of the best clay-courters in the world WHEN he’s in form, which he isn’t right now. He’s playing Barcelona to get rhythm and confidence back because he’s struggling to get going again after his injury. I don’t know if we can say his first round was reassuring, but he did finish the match well with a high-level second set, though it wouldn’t have been a scandal if he’d lost the first. He’s going to keep building up, but his goal is still to be ready for Roland, and I think in this kind of tournament he’s very beatable. On the other hand, nice H2H for him against Moutet, he’s already leading 2–0 and with straightforward scorelines. Having to dictate play is not a problem for him and he can easily put height and volume on Moutet’s shaky backhand, he also knows how to come forward to the net or be good in the short game.

The match-up is in his favor, but the momentum not so much...