Taylor Fritz made it to the semifinals at Indian Wells last year.

World No. 20 Taylor Fritz is a big favorite against world No. 99 Jaume Munar at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, and for good reason, even in their first career meeting.

While qualifier Munar is coming off an impressive upset victory over world No. 16 Pablo Carreno Busta, the 24-year-old Spaniard now takes on an excellent hard-court player in Fritz. Also 24, Fritz beat world No. 75 Kamil Majchrzak 6-1, 6-1 last round, has one of the best serves on the planet, and he continues to get better and better from the baseline. The 6'5" American also moves very well for a player his size. He really is becoming a complete player as he enters his prime, with injuries really being the only thing holding him back at this point.

Advertising

MAKE YOUR PICKS, AND YOU COULD WIN BIG

MAKE YOUR PICKS, AND YOU COULD WIN BIG

Think you know what'll happen in Wimbledon? Tell us in our Match Point Predictor.

It’s not likely that Munar will see many opportunities to break Fritz in this match. On the contrary, Fritz should have his share of chances on Munar’s serve. The Spaniard doesn’t have a whole lot of pop on his serve, and he occasionally racks up some untimely double faults. That will put a ton of pressure on Munar, who could tighten up in pressure moments.

Fritz is too big of a favorite to advocate taking on the moneyline; he’s -575 to come through in this match. Even the set spread is being priced at an outrageous number, as Fritz is -240 to win in two sets. At those prices, the best bet you’ll find in this match is the Under of 22.5. You’ll still have to pay a little juice on that, but it means you'll win some money as long as Fritz wins 7-5, 6-4 or better. That’s easily within the realm of possibility against a clay-court specialist that will be out of his element.

It also doesn’t hurt that Fritz is a California kid, so he’ll have the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand here.

The Pick: Under 22.5 Games (-165)