Ivo Karlovic vs. Feliciano Lopez

This is a throwback match between two veterans.  Also, each man plays an attacking style generally better suited to faster surfaces.  I do however expect close sets as two veterans seek to advance at a major.  One of the keys to beating Karlovic is taking care of one’s own service games.  Lopez has a strong lefty serve and a solid ability to put points away after a good serve.  This should aid him.  Also, Lopez moves quite well which is always important on clay.  Ivo leads their head-to-head 7-4, but this will be their first meeting on clay.  Lopez’s court coverage makes him the favorite in my eyes.

Feliciano Lopez meets Roger Federer and Santoro in Grand Slam “Membership 70” https://t.co/ChqRvK3zWU pic.twitter.com/1wKDwZxcmj

— punga007 (@punga127) May 27, 2019

Still, Ivo’s game means many sets come down to a few points.  He is used to playing this way every match.  For Lopez to come through, he will have to handle points well at 4-4 and further in sets.  The Spaniard should be good for it, but if one wants to see attacking tennis as a change-up on day 3, this is a match for you.