Two qualifiers who don't look like it...

A good draw on paper for each of the qualifiers (even if Faria is an LL). But what will it be like on the court?

So, first of all, we’ll have conditions that are quite different from the day before, with a cool, overcast and humid trend, and therefore potential interruptions. That adds a bit of risk to this match, and favors the Spaniard and his solid defense, since the ball should travel more slowly through the air.

Both players also have some physical risk. Munar because he’s coming back from injury and just played a big match against Fritz in the heat yesterday. Faria because he already struggled with the humidity in Hangzhou last week, and he’s also played three matches here. A match that will be under close watch right from the start, with some serious live-betting potential.

In terms of match-up, Faria will have no choice but to play aggressively. I’d even say more than usual. That really bothered Fery. The Portuguese is playing at a very good level, but his game, especially when he’s tired, makes him inconsistent. Eight double faults I think against Fery, and a few breaks. If Munar manages to return well already, it’s going to be tough. On top of that, if the Spaniard defends well and is a real junkyard dog as they say, he’s also done the job on his service games, with a very good percentage of first serves in and won (>70%). That’s what Arthur Fery would have needed.

If Munar’s body holds up, I give him a solid 60% chance to win here, given the match-up in these conditions, as well as his legendary tenacity, which makes me think he’s the last guy you want to face if there are rain interruptions.