ATP Basel / Vienna: 2nd Round

ATP Basel Feature Preview

Roger Federer v Benoit PaireRecords don’t get more dominant than the one Federer holds over Paire. He is 4-0 and has won all 9 sets contested by the pair. Furthermore, he has won 5 of the 7 sets on hard court by at least a double break margin. Earlier this year in Dubai we saw Federer break the Paire serve on 4 occasions – good for a 6-1 6-3 scoreline. He was relentless with the attack on Paire’s second serve with the Frenchman only able to win 30% of points behind his second delivery. Federer was in top flight against Tiafoe and The Wolf is predicting a similar performance.
Best Bet: Federer -5.5 ($2.05)

Julien Benneteau v Juan Martin Del PotroBenneteau has been making some noise on the Challenger Tour but Del Potro poses a entirely different threat for the veteran. The Argentine may have dropped the second set against Sousa but his form in the opening and deciding sets was just stunning. He is really starting to crush the ball and men who can not generate free points on serve against him are really struggling. The Frenchman will have to make 70% of first serves just to stay with Del Potro and The Wolf cannot see that happening.
Best Bet: TBA

ATP Vienna Feature Preview

Damir Dzumhur v Jo-Wilfried TsongaThey were the respective title winners in Moscow and Antwerp last week and continued where they left off. The opening match after a title winning run is always a danger game after a long week and both should improve in their second match. It makes for a entertaining contest as both men are right at the top of their games. They have contrasting game styles with Dzumhur a grinder and Tsonga an absolute powerhouse. They will trade blows from the baseline but it will be Tsonga’s serve which gives him the edge down the stretch.
Best Bet: Over 22.5 games ($1.73)

Richard Gasquet v Dominic ThiemWolfy has been riding Gasquet over the last few weeks and is shocked to see him as the outsider in this one. Thiem’s win over Rublev was his first in 5 matches while Gasquet crushed Lopez. the pair met on this very court 2 years ago and on that occasion Gasquet won in straight sets. In the battle of the one handed backhands it will be the Frenchman who comes out victorious.
Best Bet: Gasquet WIN ($2.10)