Second round action at the 2019 ATP Metz Open continues on Wednesday, September 18 and here’re some of the top matches to be played today. Latest Fernando Verdasco v Filip Krajinovic & Benoit Paire v Richard Gasquet tips and predictions with their previews along with others can be found below.
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Fernando Verdasco v Filip Krajinovic Preview
Fernando Verdasco and Filip Krajinovic meet for the first time ever in the second round at the Moselle Open.
Both players have had good portions of the season, but their forms have dipped in recent times, particularly during the US hard court season.
Spanish veteran Verdasco has always been a tough customer for the best of opponents, and will be happy to have made light work of his opponent Steve Darcis in quick time in the opener, as he will look to make a deep run here this week, setting himself well for the rest of the season.
2017 Paris Masters winner Filip Krajinovic has done well in recent times on hard courts and indoors, but has faltered a little of late. A hard-earned first round win against German Peter Gojowczyk should give him the much needed confidence to get back to his winning ways.
An interesting clash on the cards, and while the conditions suit the Serb better, one can never discount the ever so experienced Verdasco. Expect this to be about who plays the crucial moments better, with Krajinovic emerging victorious in a decider the most likely outcome.
Tip: Krajinovic to win in three sets: 3/1 (888Sport)
Benoit Paire v Richard Gasquet Preview
In a clash of French veterans, Richard Gasquet and Benoit Paire meet in the second round at Metz.
While Gasquet has a 7-1 head to head advantage, he is ranked 41st and Paire is 23rd, evidencing where either have been with their game recently.
Although Gasquet may have been the more accomplished over his career, being a former top 10 and a multiple time grand slam semi-finalist, he is still recovering from a long injury lay-off. He has had a decent hard court season with a semi-final run at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati being a huge morale booster.
Paire on the other hand, despite his often erratic play, has had some good runs this year and is knocking on the top 20 in the rankings. He is the third-seed here and had a bye in the first round.
An eagerly awaited clash for the home crowds; with Gasquet’s disciplined style of play up against the all-inclusive flashy and full of flair Paire. While records and statistics would point to Gasquet, recent form tilts it in favor of Paire. An exciting match on the cards, with a lot dependent on the version of Paire that shows up. Expect Gasquet to narrowly edge through in three sets.
Tip: Gasquet to win in three sets: 3/1 (888Sport)
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Marius Copil v Giles Simon Preview
Romanian Marius Copil and Giles Simon meet in their Moselle Open first round match. They have played twice and split outcomes, but none in the last 18 months.
Neither player has had a great season with Copil not able to replicate his 2018 form where he was a losing finalist to Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, but is unfortunately now ranked just within the top 100. Veteran Giles Simon was a finalist at the Queens Club ATP 500 on grass this summer losing to Feliciano Lopez, but has managed no level of consistency in particular this season.
While it is difficult to pick a winner here, it will provide a world to confidence to whoever ends up winning, undoubtedly. Given his experience and the strong French crowds behind him, expect Simon to pull through here in two tight sets.
Tip: Gilles Simon to win in straight sets: 5/4 (888Sport)