Wawrinka - Murray
When the books first opened VERY early on today, they had Wawa a slight favourite over Safin. I really liked Safin there! But alas, the Russian has now made room for the Scot and he's to face Wawrinka today, who just like that is a medium dog now.
And I believe he's a medium dog for a good reason here. However, I see most punters out there dissagree with me, as Wawa is clearly the bettors favourite against Murray. He's drfited up to $1.75 from $1.52 when he first opened. I guess most people's assessment is being based upon their Head to Head meetings, where Wawa's come victories 3 out of 5 times. Probably, having won already a match on this court, only adds to Stanislas favouritism (Murray's coming out cold turkey here today)
Nontheless, all of the above stats and trends mean very little to me today. I really believe Murray's game is much better suited to this surface than that of the Swiss guy. Clearly Murray is the better player here and he should roll over Wawa no worries today.
My bet however, is the FIRST SET WIN only and it's a fairly generous one too!
Pick: Andy Murray to Win First Set Only 7 Unit play
Ferrer - Gasquet
Very hard to go past the Spaniard here. Gasquet's been struggling alot lately, and Ferrer owns the Frenchman. Needless to say, stranger things have happend (this young bloke by the name of Roger Federer for example, was taken out in the first round by Simon, or Gilles???? No commentator is sure what his first or last name is yet! Some call him Gilles Simon, other Simon Gilles....!!! ) But that's beside the point here. What I was trying to say is that I'd find it very surprising to see Gasquet get thru' here. Ferrer is as solid as they come - Gasquet ain't!
Pick: David Ferrer 2 Unit Play
Best wishes and Good Luck everyone
AUSSIE