ATP Beijing / Tokyo: 2nd Round

ATP Beijing Feature Previews

Nick Kyrgios v Mischa ZverevThe month off looked to have done Kyrgios more than a few favours as he demolished Basilashvili yesterday. It should be a very different story when he takes on Mischa Zverev. The German’s serve and volley game combined with the fact that he is a lefty make him one of the most awkward players to face on the tour. Zverev got the better of Kyrgios in Shanghai a year ago in their only meeting and it is a surprise to see him as such a big outsider. That encounter was one of Kyrgios’ infamous ‘give up’ games where he argued with both the umpire and members of the crowd. It will surely be mentioned leading into this one and it will be interesting to see if it has any effect on him. Both men will win a high percentage of points behind their 1st serve and The Wolf expects Zverev to target the Kyrgios backhand – in particularly with his serve and approach shots. Kyrgios claimed the title here a year ago but Zverev will push him all the way. Look for this one to go deep into a third set.
Best Bet: Over 22.5 games ($1.85)

Grigor Dimitrov v Juan Martin Del PotroPrior to their last meeting in Cincinnati this year Del Potro held a 5-0 advantage in the H2H series. Dimitrov was able to turn the tables on the Argentine and it was the catalyst for his first Masters Series title. This is also a tournament that the Bulgarian has produced some of his best tennis. He beat Johnson, Pouille and Nadal before losing to Murray in the final last year. Wolfy is expecting him to target the Del Potro backhand and really stretch him with some inside-out forehands. After getting the monkey off his back in their last meeting we should see him go on with it.
Best Bet: Dimitrov +1.5 ($1.85)