Match Details
Fixture: Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz
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Date: March 28, 2026
Tournament: Montemar Challenger 2026
Round: Semifinal
Category: ATP Challenger Series
Venue: Alicante, Spain
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: €160,680
Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel
Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz preview
Roman Safiullin will take on Pablo Llamas Ruiz in the semifinal of the Montemar Challenger this week.
Safiullin has yet to compete on the main tour in 2026. He missed significant events such as the Australian Open, Qatar Open and Miami Open this year. The Russian reached the last 16 of the Thionville Challenger, which has been his best result so far.
Safiullin started his campaign in Alicante by cruising past Gilles Arnaud Bailly and Jan Choinski in the first two rounds. He then brushed aside Max Houkes in the quarterfinal, 6-4, 6-1. The 28-year-old has yet to drop a set in the Montemar Challenger.
Meanwhile, Pablo Llamas Ruiz has had a decent sesaon so far. He entered the second round of the Australian Open qualifiers but lost to Coleman Wong. The Spaniard then reached the semifinal of the Tenerife Challenger and lost to Lloyd Harris of South Africa.
Ruiz started his campaign in Alicante with excellent wins over Ilya Ivashka and Dali Blanch in the first two rounds. He then eliminated Edas Butvilas in the quarterfinal, 6-1, 6-2. The 23-year-old won 84% of his first serve points in the previous round.
Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz head-to-head
The head-to-head between the duo is locked at 0-0.
Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz odds
Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz prediction
Safiullin is an experienced campaigner on the ATP circuit. He will be eager to build momentum after a slow start to the season and register a strong result soon.
On the other hand, Llamas Ruiz has been consistent in the last few months. The youngster is ranked outside the top 150, but could climb up soon thanks to his solid results so far.
Safiullin will have experience on his side, but still needs to bring his A-game to the fore. He will be up against an opponent who’s been solid on serve en route to the semifinal.
Moreover, Ruiz has also returned well in the last three rounds. He’s created more than 20 break point opportunities in Alicante and will be hungry to find a way past Safiullin on Saturday.
Considering their match-fitness and record on clay, Ruiz has a better chance of coming out on top. He should be able to solve this riddle and secure a spot in the final.
Pick: Ruiz to win in three sets.
Roman Safiullin vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz betting tips
Tip 1: Match to have more than 20 games.
Tip 2: Ruiz to convert more than five break points.
Edited by Aman Mohamed
