Rafael Nadal vs. Taylor Harry Fritz Prediction: Match Depends Upon Rafael’s Fitness

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, will face World No. 9 Taylor Fritz in the 2022 ATP Finals group round on Sunday.

Nadal began the year on a high note, winning a victory before the Australian Open and then won his 21st Major title in the season's first Grand Slam. His winning ways continued at the Mexican Open, when he won his third victory in a row. Fritz's undefeated streak came to an end in the final of the Indian Wells Masters.

During his loss against Fritz, the Spaniard hurt his rib and missed the start of the clay season. After underwhelming performances in Madrid and Rome, Nadal won his 22nd Grand Slam championship at the French Open. He performed admirably at Wimbledon, but suffered an abdominal strain during his quarterfinal win over Fritz. Following that, he withdrew from the event.

Nadal returned to action in the Western & Southern Open, where he was defeated in the second round by Borna Coric. He then advanced to the fourth round of the US Open, where he was defeated by Frances Tiafoe. While he wasn't at his peak physically, the 36-year-old participated in Roger Federer's farewell tournament at the Laver Cup.

The Spaniard's next competition was the Paris Masters, where he lost in the second round against Tommy Paul. He is is vying for his first ATP Finals championship.

Fritz is having a career-best season. He has three championships this year, the most recent being the Indian Wells Masters. In the final, the American upset Nadal, ending his 20-match winning run. He also won championships in Eastbourne and Tokyo.

Fritz's best Major result came at Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals. His consistency throughout the season propelled him into the top ten rankings. However, his recent results have been disappointing, as the 25-year-old has failed to advance past the second round in both Vienna and Paris.

Fritz was the first alternate after failing to qualify for the ATP Finals. However, due to the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz, he is now making his tournament debut.

It all relies on Nadal's physical condition. If he's fully fit, he's seen enough comebacks to know what it takes to complete the task. Otherwise, Fritz should have no trouble dealing with the former World No. 1.

• Total Under 23 for 1.81
• Handiсap Rafael Nadal (-2) for 1.89
• Individual Total 2 Over 12.5 for 1.95