Ben Caudell has studied the stats and will be getting behind an in-form Argentine at Roland Garros on day three
Juan Monaco (ARG) v Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
One of the better first round matches to get involved in takes place on Tuesday between two players familiar with one another's game. Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who has reached the fourth round of the French Open the past four years, will be a little tense about his chances of reaching the same round this year due to a tough first round match-up against grinder Juan Monaco.
Although Verdasco's record and ranking at the French Open is superior to the Argentine's, it is hard to ignore Monaco's 7-2 overall head-to-head series lead over the left-hander, even more significant is the fact that five of those wins were on clay, one of which took place at the 2006 French Open in four sets.
These head-to-head stats coupled with the fact that Verdasco is on an awful run of form - the man from Madrid has lost three first round matches since Miami in March - gives us further reason to be backing Monaco at a tasty [2.64] in the Match Odds market. Monaco, a consistent base-liner, will frustrate the irritable lefty into making unforced errors.
Verdasco has become more and more impatient with his own ability and I can see this match being no different. Monaco clearly has the mental advantage on the clay over his opponent and it would be silly not to have a little flutter on the Argentine.
Recommended Bet Back Juan Monaco @ [2.64] to win match
Marina Erakovic (NZL) v Arantxa Rus (NED)
Erakovic was born in Croatia but grew up in New Zealand and became the first Kiwi tennis player to have been ranked in the world top 50 (July 2008) since Belinda Cordwell and (1988) and Brett Steven (1997). Unfortunately due to a hip injury in 2008 that left the player on the sidelines for over seven months her ranking slipped to an all-time low of 324 in 2010.
It's all change for the New Zealander this year, however, and what a turnaround it has been. Since March of this year, Erakovic has gone on an amazing winning streak, albeit at ITF level, winning three tournaments including two on clay. She has won 20 of her last 21 matches overall, 15 of her last 16 on clay, and six in a row when priced as favourite.
Continued: Tennis Betting
Juan Monaco (ARG) v Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
One of the better first round matches to get involved in takes place on Tuesday between two players familiar with one another's game. Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who has reached the fourth round of the French Open the past four years, will be a little tense about his chances of reaching the same round this year due to a tough first round match-up against grinder Juan Monaco.
Although Verdasco's record and ranking at the French Open is superior to the Argentine's, it is hard to ignore Monaco's 7-2 overall head-to-head series lead over the left-hander, even more significant is the fact that five of those wins were on clay, one of which took place at the 2006 French Open in four sets.
These head-to-head stats coupled with the fact that Verdasco is on an awful run of form - the man from Madrid has lost three first round matches since Miami in March - gives us further reason to be backing Monaco at a tasty [2.64] in the Match Odds market. Monaco, a consistent base-liner, will frustrate the irritable lefty into making unforced errors.
Verdasco has become more and more impatient with his own ability and I can see this match being no different. Monaco clearly has the mental advantage on the clay over his opponent and it would be silly not to have a little flutter on the Argentine.
Recommended Bet Back Juan Monaco @ [2.64] to win match
Marina Erakovic (NZL) v Arantxa Rus (NED)
Erakovic was born in Croatia but grew up in New Zealand and became the first Kiwi tennis player to have been ranked in the world top 50 (July 2008) since Belinda Cordwell and (1988) and Brett Steven (1997). Unfortunately due to a hip injury in 2008 that left the player on the sidelines for over seven months her ranking slipped to an all-time low of 324 in 2010.
It's all change for the New Zealander this year, however, and what a turnaround it has been. Since March of this year, Erakovic has gone on an amazing winning streak, albeit at ITF level, winning three tournaments including two on clay. She has won 20 of her last 21 matches overall, 15 of her last 16 on clay, and six in a row when priced as favourite.
Continued: Tennis Betting
