OK, I've decided to stop "tipping" for a while. Level stakes singles is just not where it is at in tennis I feel - trading and short priced multis I think is the way to go. People will look down at the multis, but I'd disagree on several levels and let's be honest - it's fun
. So from now on I'm just going to put up my thoughts on some matches that interest me. Also, I might start a glory hunt pretty soon
. Anyway, onto the matches for Monday.....
Verdasco v Youzhny looks really tough to call. I was thinking of backing Verdasco, but then I saw he was favourite which was a little bit of a surprise. It's on TV, so if you can watch and they both look up for it, laying the guy who wins the first set could be profitable.
Tsonga v Mahut should be fun. Tsonga blew it against Simon last week, but this should be easier. He played well and looked like he has a decent game for clay, unless he comes up against a real grinder. Mahut is shocking up clay, and Tsonga should be comfortable on serve and even more comfortable in the rallies, looks like a solid fav.
Bolelli v
Granollers is a match between 2 guys who have really stepped up this year. Bolelli really ran out of gas against Roddick last week and after a lot of matches he could have a bit of a flat one this tournament. Granollers lost a shocker against Montanes in Barcelona but has come through qualifying here and could be a bit of value.
Murray v Tursunov and mmm I just keep thinking Murray is too short. The matchup is very good for him and Tursunov is awful on clay but come on 1.28? He just isn't playing very well and could struggle. A lay of Murray then look to back if he starts poorly (maybe see if Tursunov can take the first set) looks to be a decent play.
Safin v Cilic. It's sad to see Safin in the qualifiers - I'll always remember his matches against Federer at the Aussie and US Open against Sampras - that one was the reason I started hitting a double-handed backhand
. Anyway, he's struggled through qualifying and have to take that as a positive as he could have easily folded against Korolev. Cilic is rank on clay, I can't believe he beat Rochus when I was on in Munich. I watched him last week against Starace and he was woeful. I see Safin coming through this, but as always it could be a struggle.
Seppi v
Berrer. Night match, at home, big serving lefty could be some value in Berrer at 3.00. He's been poor lately but after watching Seppi he could have a chance. Just see this as a tough matchup from Seppi. Berrer will attack his serve and I see him being broken a few times. Not much of an analysis on this one it's just about the situation.