Rio Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar Prediction, Head to Head, Preview and Live stream details

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar

It is an all-Spanish battle in the first round of the Rio Open 2022 as World No.18 Carlos Alcaraz will square off against compatriot Jaume Munar.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar: Match Details

Tournament: Rio Open 2022
Date: February 14th, 2022
Match: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar
Round: First round
Venue: Jockey Club Brasileiro, Rio
Surface: Claycourt
Prize Money: $13,760

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar: Preview

Carlos Alcaraz finished his 2021 season on a high note by reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open and then rounding it off by winning the Next Gen Finals. The 18-year-old entered the Australian Open this year as the youngest player in the men’s draw. He won his first two rounds in straight sets but was knocked out by 6th seed Matteo Berrettini in the third round in a five-set thriller. The teenager fought valiantly after losing the first two sets to force a decider but was just edged out by the Italian in the final set tie-breaker.

Jaume Munar reached four finals in ATP Challenger events last year and won one title at the Antalya Challenger in January. Munar made a good start to his 2022 season by reaching the quarter-finals of the ATP Melbourne Summer Set 1. But the Spaniard next suffered a string of early exits in his next tournaments.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar: Head-to-Head

This will be the second meeting of the duo. Jaume Munar leads the head-to-head 1-0, having won their only match-up so far at the ATP Marabella Open.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jaume Munar: Prediction

Alcaraz is the overwhelming favorite to win the match, given his prowess in clay courts. But he played only 3 matches so far this year, whereas Munar has competed in two tournaments in the South American clay courts swing. Both the player have a good record on clay courts, but it will be a tough ask for Munar to notch up a win against Alcaraz, who is already being pegged as Rafael Nadal’s successor. Alcaraz will be looking to kick off his clay-court season with a comfortable win in the opening round.

Prediction: Alcaraz to win in straight sets