Fire versus ice

Jodar, calm, powerful and aggressive, against Moutet, a real volcano with an atypical game, often based on finesse. But all that, you already know...

The analysis of this match is more about recent information. We of course have the recent final in Washington played by Jodar and lost against Fritz. A somewhat exhausting tournament, as it was played in a certain heat and humidity, and a bit delayed by rain. And then a final drains you mentally. And sometimes even physically, since we saw Jodar get his left wrist taped at the end of the match. No major consequences in the heat of the moment... The Spaniard has already followed up after a big tournament. But he has also shown a few dips in intensity at times, dips that are highlighted by his powerful, low-margin game.

On the other side, Moutet is still struggling just as much. Still that problem on the backhand and the same game patterns repeating themselves.

There aren’t a million ways this can go here. Either Jodar pushes his head underwater right from the start and holds it there (attacks on the backhand, very aggressive play to avoid letting Moutet’s creativity shine, we know the drill...), or he gets dragged into a set by a Moutet who suddenly catches fire in a match where he has nothing to lose. It reminds me of his matches against Fokina, where he raises his level, defends everything he can, and comes close to turning a set in his favor.

So, have you picked your side?