David Goffin is looking to get into some trouble and mind it, it’s all for the better. With the 2024 season closing in soon enough, the Belgian aims to reverse his fortune and produce noteworthy results. Chances are, he just might but, there’s a hiccup. He won’t stumble upon success so easily as one might think and his rival is equipped with formidable weapons.

The World No. 92 is scheduled to lock horns with Jaume Munar in the opening round of the Winston-Salem Open on Tuesday, August 20. While the match-up sounds thrilling, one player will surely return home with unfortunate luck. Bearing that in mind, let’s dive into the details surrounding the duo’s upcoming clash.

David Goffin vs Jaume Munar: Preview

David Goffin will enter the ATP 250 event on the back of a disheartening semifinal defeat at the Cary Challenger. The Belgian pro engaged in a hard-fought battle against Roman Safiullin wherein despite his valiant effort went in vain as he succumbed to the Russian in straight sets, 7-6(5), 7-6(2).

Jaume Munar, on the other hand, will commence his Winston-Salem run after enduring a first-round loss at the Cincinnati Open. He secured a spot in the event’s main draw via the qualifying rounds only to bow out at the hands of Jack Draper, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6.

Goffin vs Munar: Head-to-Head

Both the players are slated to square off for the first time on the ATP Tour. They have never crossed paths with each other on the court, marking their upcoming contest as their maiden encounter. As a result, their head-to-head is locked at 0-0.

Prediction: Munar to win in three sets

The Spaniard has enjoyed a decent run this season. His overall performance on the circuit saw him dig deep at a handful of tour-level but unfortunately, Munar has been adamant on finding success at Grand Slam events. His most noteworthy result of the year came at the Aix En Provence Challenger where he reached the title round and finished as the runner-up.

Producing a 21-24 win-loss record in 2024, the World No. 89 flaunts a counter-punching gameplay. He likes to play on the defense, scrambling for balls while seated deep behind the baseline, forcing his opponent into frustration.

Meanwhile, David Goffin has had almost no success on the Tour this year. The Belgian talent has stumbled upon a poor form, wherein he has failed to register laudable results at almost every tour-level event and the Majors. His sole victory of the season was spectated at the Ilkley Challenger which saw him quash his rival’s challenge in the title decider in straight sets.

Goffin’s gameplay is majorly dictated as an offensive baseliner who loves to finish points from the baseline. The 33-year-old is not a serve-oriented player and is hardly seen approaching the net.

In summary, it is safe to say the Munar can tackle the Belgian’s challenge. However, he will have to be at his best because Goffin will sweat the former with his aggressive gameplay. If the Spaniard manages to return his shots consistently, Munar can rally his way to the second round.