Kitzbuhel Open 2022: Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs. Pedro Martinez Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 Kitzbuhel Open as Albert Ramos Vinolas takes on Pedro Martinez in the quarterfinal on Thursday, July 28th, 2022.

It will be an all-Spanish affair in the quarterfinals of the Kitzbuhel Open as Albert Ramos Vinolas takes on Pedro Martinez. Who will prevail in this intriguing matchup?

Albert Ramos Vinolas was in terrific form in dispatching Peruvian No. 1 Juan Pablo Varillas in his second-round encounter at the Kitzbuhel Open. The Spanish left hander outmuscled Varillas from the back of the court and utilized his heavy topspin to dictate almost every rally. Ramos Vinolas was never broken in the one-hour 35-minute contest, saving all three break points he faced. Varillas was broken once in each set and that proved decisive in the outcome of the match. Ramos Vinolas is now into his first quarterfinal in these parts since 2019 (the year he made the finals).

Pedro Martinez, meanwhile, advanced into his second quarterfinal in as many weeks at the Kitzbuhel Open. And the World No. 49 will be hoping to address last week’s unfortunate loss to Matteo Berrettini in Gstaad in which he spurned match points. Martinez was dominant against Federico Coria in his Round of 16 match, sweeping past the Argentine 6-4 6-3 in 86 minutes. Points won behind the first serve will need to improve substantially when he takes on Ramos Vinolas though, as Coria did cause him a few jittery moments. Nonetheless, Martinez will be delighted to get through.

Remarkably, Albert Ramos Vinolas and Pedro Martinez have not crossed swords on the ATP Tour. This will be their first collision at the Kitzbuhel Open. I thought Ramos Vinolas would struggle to combat Varillas’ aggression and intensity in the previous round. But he was almost a step ahead of the Peruvian in every duel. While Martinez will be a real step up in quality, the veteran Ramos Vinolas looks the value pick here.