Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Pablo Carreno Busta Prediction United Cup Tennis Picks 12/28/24

For the first time since 2018, Stefanos Tsitspas finished the season outside the Top 10 spots. Tsitsipas compiled 47 wins and 22 losses. His highs included reaching back-to-back finals on clay in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. 

He was crowned champion at the Principality for the third time in his career but lost the Barcelona final. On the Roland Garros clay, Tsitsipas was a quarterfinalist at both the French Open and the Olympic Games.

He endured a disappointing stay in North America, winning one match from three tournaments. It was a run of form that included a shock first-round defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis at the US Open. 

The 26-year-old steadied the ship late in the season, making the last eight in Basel and Paris-bercy, but missed out on ATP Finals qualification.

Pablo Carreno Busta Preview

Pablo Carreno Busta put Spain in control of their tie against Kazakhstan after sweeping aside Alexander Shevchenko in the first match of the brand new season.

Carreno Busta, who is coming off an injury-blighted 2024 season, gave his country a much-needed win after only 64 minutes. In the victory, he hit three aces and landed 68% first serves.

Carreno Busta won 78% of first-serve points (21/27) and 69% of second-serve points (9/13) while saving one of two break points he faced on serve. 

The 33-year-old won 57% of return points (24/42) and converted five of seven break points. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Pablo Carreno Busta Head-To-Head

• Tsitsipas and Carreno Busta have met three times on the ATP Tour.

• Tsitsipas leads the Spaniard 3-0 in their series, with their last duel contested at the 2021 French Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Pablo Carreno Busta Prediction

Tsitsipas has dominated this matchup and there is little indication that an injury-ravaged Carreno Busta will turn his fortunes around. Tsitsipas also has a great track record of performing for his country, especially in this tournament, helping Greece qualify into the semifinal and quarterfinal in the last two years. He tends to have a strong start to a new season and expect that to continue on Saturday.