Medvedev vs Karatsev: prediction for the Mallorca Open match

Daniil Medvedev faces Aslan Karatsev in the Round of 16 of the Mallorca Open on June 22. Who will progress to the quarterfinals? Here's our prediction.

Command Analysis

Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev has so far been excellent on grass courts in 2022. He reached the finals both in 's-Hertogenbosch and in Halle. However, the World №1 suffered defeats in both cases. THe Russian star is defending his title in Mallorca - last year, he defeated Sam Querrey in straight sets in the final match (6-4, 6-2).

Aslan Karatsev

Aslan Karatsev, on the other hand, is in poor form. Last week in Halle, he made a first-round exit following his defeat to Karen Khachanov. At the current tournament, Karatsev celebrated success over Jaume Munar in three sets (3-6, 6-1, 6-3) in his opener. Before that win, the Russian athlete was on a five-match losing streak.
Trends
СтавкаTie-break - yes
In the last 5 matches, Medvedev played 2 tie-breaks.

Ставка1st set: total over 9.5 games
In 3 of Karatsev's last 5 matches, more than 9 games were played in the first set.

Tip and bets
Interestingly, Medvedev has never won against Karatsev. The Russians have faced off three times, and every time Karatsev got the upper hand. Medvedev doesn't like playing against aggressive attacking opponents, such as Karatsev. We will take a risk and back the underdog in this match.
Our prediction - Karatsev to win
The last two head-to-head matches were short. We expect this Russian derby to be over quickly, too - Karatsev's style fits the grass surface perfectly, and he can close his opponent in two sets.
Second prediction - total under 22 games