Kitzbuhel Open 2022: Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs. Juan Pablo Varillas Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 Kitzbuhel Open as Albert Ramos Vinolas takes on Juan Pablo Varillas in the second round on Wednesday, July 27th, 2022.

Former Kitzbuhel Open finalist Albert Ramos Vinolas will kick off his campaign at the ATP 250 event looking to continue his excellent form on clay courts in 2022. But he faces a daunting task against Peruvian World No. 109 Juan Pablo Varillas who impressed at this year’s French Open. Who will prevail?

Albert Ramos Vinolas is now a seasoned veteran on the ATP Tour. At 34, this is now his 18th year on the pro tour, which is quite remarkable. There are not many active players currently boasting a career spanning nearly two decades. The Spanish lefty has not lost his touch and particularly on clay courts where he added his fourth career title during the South American Golden Swing in Cordoba earlier this year. However, last week he fell brutally against eventual champion Casper Ruud in Gstaad, a defeat that will surely send him back to the drawing board. Can he return to winning ways at the Kitzbuhel Openwhen he takes on Juan Pablo Varillas?

Juan Pablo Varillas made his mark at the Kitzbuhel Open, winning his first-round match against Carlos Taberner of Spain 6-4 6-3. Varillas’ excellent shot making proved too much to handle for Taberner who coughed up six double faults during the match in the wake of added pressure. And after last week’s quarterfinal showing in Gstaad, the Peruvian No. 1 will be looking to record back-to-back last eight appearances by posting a major upset on Wednesday against Albert Ramos Vinolas.

Albert Ramos Vinolas leads Juan Pablo Varillas 2-0 in their head-to-head. But it is pertinent to note, their recent meeting at the Cordoba Open resulted in a retirement after the Peruvian succumbed to injury midway through the match. Varillas has since managed to maintain a decent spell of good health and outstanding results on court. Last month he qualified for his first Grand Slam at the French Open and nearly pulled off a shock win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round when he led by two sets to love. He comes to the Kitzbuhel Open in fine spirits after scoring a top 20 win over Bautista Agut in Gstaad. If Ramos Vinolas wanders off his game, an upset could very well happen.