World number 67 Max Purcell will face the 240th-ranked Pablo Llamas Ruiz in the first round of the 2023 ATP Lyon Open on Tuesday, May 23. Get the predictions and odds of this Max Purcell v Pablo Llamas Ruiz match along with its preview, head to head, and tips here.
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Max Purcell v Pablo Llamas Ruiz Head to Head
Purcell and Llamas Ruiz have never faced off before this.
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Purcell Returns to Least Favourite Surface
Purcell is having the time of his life on court having reached a career-best ranking of 67th in the world coming into this tournament in Lyon.
What has been fascinating to watch is Purcell’s ascent has been down to his performances on the Challenger circuit with the Aussie having won three titles already this year. Add that to the three other final appearances at the same level and you are looking at the most successful player on the Challenger tour for the season.
That’s the good news. The not so good news is that Purcell has featured in just two matches on clay for the season as compared to the 45 on other surfaces. When you juxtapose this next to his overall record on clay, you know Purcell isn’t most fond of playing on clay.
Which is why, facing a player ranked 240th in the world in his opener here isn’t that bad a start to the competition. Can he make it his second win on clay for the year?
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Ruiz Makes ATP Main Draw Debut
Known for his performances at the lower level but also on clay, Ruiz will make his main draw debut on the ATP circuit when he takes to court for his first round match in Lyon as a qualifier.
Featuring in the qualifying rounds, Ruiz overcame the loss of the first set in round one against Guido Andreozzi before easing past Matteo Martineau in the second.
Interestingly, only as recently as in March, Ruiz was still featuring on the Futures tour. Having won a title on clay there, he moved to the Challenger circuit after improving from being 350th in the world to jumping into the top 300 by the first week of April.
And then by reaching the semifinal of the Girona Challenger, Ruiz ensured he had broken into the top 250 very soon.
With an entry into the main draw of an ATP win things are looking a lot better for Ruiz and the question now is if he can take advantage of his opponent’s clay court issues.
Purcell v Ruiz Prediction and Tip
Purcell might not be at his best on clay but we think he has enough confidence and form to come through this one. Those odds of 6/4 look tempting for sure.
Tips:
- Moderate Risk Tip: Purcell to win: 6/4
The 2023 ATP Lyon Open will be played from May 21 to 27. You can get all the tennis betting news with our tennis betting blog here. Also get rest of the tennis match previews here.
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