Estoril R2 preview and prediction: Hurkacz vs. Zapata Miralles

Hubert Hurkacz
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Second-round action at the Estoril Open will be wrapping up on Thursday, when Hubert Hurkacz and Bernabe Zapata Miralles go head-to-head for the first time in their careers.

This one could be more competitive than the rankings would suggest, as Hurkacz (12th) is not at his best on clay and doesn’t have a match under his belt on this surface yet in 2023. Zapata Miralles (43rd) has won 245 matches on the red stuff in his career and 85 combined on all other surfaces. The Spaniard beat Henrique Rocha 6-4, 6-2 in the opening round on Tuesday.

Is clay enough to dictate an upset? Probably not. Although Hurkacz would prefer to contest this matchup on grass or a hard court, he is plenty capable on clay and has already enjoyed some success on it. Plus the conditions in Estoril are playing fast, which should give the Pole an advantage.

Pick: Hurkacz in 3

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