Mr Intensity Posted May 29, 2006 Share Posted May 29, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) SportTennis EventFrench Open SelectionVIK v Serra Strength10/10 Date30/05/2006 Bookmaker/PricePinnacle Sports @ 2.70 (Back) ReasoningI think this is a very decent price, and a good chance to oppose Serra. I think he's underperformed all year and has had some very poor losses from winning positions. After that, playing in his home slam, I think he could feel the pressure more than any support. His opponent Vik has shown some decent form recently, reaching the quarters in Munich, winning a decent challenger and playing pretty well in the World Team Cup. I was never sure about him on clay but after seeing him play last week I think he can be good on clay. These two have similar games and this should be a close match up. H2H is 4-0 to Vik inclusing a couple of wins on clay in 2002. This is a very lively dog IMO. SportTennis EventFrench Open SelectionROITMAN v Hrbaty Strength10/10 Date30/05/2006 Bookmaker/PriceStan James @ 3.50 (Back) ReasoningI'm going for a pretty big name casulty here, as Hrbaty is in really poor form. He hasn't been past the second round on clay this season, and his only wins have been against guys who has put in really bad performances. To be honest he's been poor all year, remember back to Australia where he played awful but fought through to the 4th round in really long matches. To be honest I think that took a bit out of him, especially after losing the Davis Cup final (despite beating Ljubicic!!) and he hasn't played well since. He also has a surprising record here at the French, since reaching the semis in 1999 he hasn't got past the 2nd round - and that includes some poor first round losses. Also if the windy conditions continue on an exposed Court 4 his serve got go well off. I don't know much about Roitman, but looking at his activity he's having a decent year on clay. He came through qualifying without dropping a set and as this play is more against Hrbaty, that's good enough for me. SportTennis EventFrench Open SelectionVICENTE v Waske Strength10/10 Date30/05/2006 Bookmaker/PriceBetDirect @ 1.61 (Back) ReasoningI quite fancied Waske last week in the world Team Cup, but after seeing his performances, he does seem limited on clay and I can see Vicente taking him apart. He may also have a let down after all the effort and intensity put in last week, and after several weeks of playing at home. Vicente has shown some decent form recently, winning a challenger in Bermuda, qualifying and taking a set off Nalbandian in Rome. I think he'll be alright in this one, he's always had a good return and can pass people. He's got a good record against 'big servers', going 8-2 in his last 10 and 21-9 since 2000 against them. That's a good record, and looking down the list he's beaten Dupuis a few times (very similar game to Waske), Karlovic, Lopez a few times, Ljubicic a few times, Henman, Rusedski indoors - basically he can deal with a big serve! This will take a lot away from Waskes game and he's going to have a lot of problems. Also the H2H is 2-0 to Vicente both on clay, including a win at the French in 2003. SportTennis EventFrench Open SelectionCHARDY v Bjorkman Strength10/10 Date30/05/2006 Bookmaker/PricePinnacle Sports @ 1.77 (Back) ReasoningSorry, but Bjorkman is totally finished in singles, he should be opposed at any cost. His only matches on clay this year have been in trying to qualify for Rome and Hamburg and he failed both times. In fact, he's always been awful at the French, his only wins since 1997 have been against Minryi and Dent! I can't see him getting another win here, even against Chardy. He qualified for Estoril last month and beat Jimmy Wang before losing 6-1 7-6 to Nalbandian and in the second set he played pretty well. His last match was trying to qualify in Austria last week and he lost in a final set tiebreak to Ramirez Hidalgo and there's no shame in that. I think at home he's got a very good chance and should be closer to 1.50. Good luck in the doubles Jonas. Good luck guys:ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Team Posted May 29, 2006 Share Posted May 29, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) good work Mr. I. You've certainly tempted me with quite a few of those. I'll wait to see how my main play goes in the morning before I decide. Which brings me to...... VERDASCO v Chela. I've seen this guy on tv quite a few times in recent weeks and I've been really impressed. He has a good all-round game and his forehand must be one of the biggest shots in men's tennis. At times he's made quality clay-courters like Gonzalez and Acasuso look like mugs. His problems seem to be purely mental because he's quite capable of completely switching off in a match and losing 10 points in a row. He's surely going to be 100% focused for RG though. I'm willing to attribute his performances in Dusseldorf last week to this. As much as I like Verdasco, this is also about opposing Chela. A certain wise regular PL tennis punter has often pointed out just how bad Chela is on European clay and this is backed up by his record this season with his only wins coming against Rusedski and Wang. They've met once already this season with Verdasco coming through in Hamburg after losing the first set 6-1. My biggest worry is the conditions because I think Verdasco is the type who could get frustrated and start sulking. I'm praying that the wind f*cks off. best price available is 1.69 with extra bet. 25pts for me. 4 pts on the 3-0 at 4.7 with betfair as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Team Posted May 29, 2006 Share Posted May 29, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) A couple of (very slight) dogs I'm considering: JOHANSSON v C.Rochus I find it hard to believe that Rochus can be slight favourite for this considering how bad he's been recently. Going down 2 and 0 to Muller and 1 and 0 to Nieminen is pretty awful. Granted Johansson doesn't have a great record on clay and he's barely played this year, but he's clearly the better player overall. MAHUT v Vanek I'm going for the Frenchie here because his record suggests he'll revel in the home support. He's won his last 10 matches in France winning 2 challengers in the process, which is quite impressive despite the dubious standard of competition. He has a few decent enough wins on clay this season too over Garcia-Lopez and Clement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edtkh Posted May 30, 2006 Author Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) What a way for Santoro-Acasuso to end, but if I ever had to lose a bet at 4.50, Santoro must have given me the best ride possible! :( Nevertheless, the other matches have compensated for that somewhat... 20pts Ivanovic-O Rochus-Haas-Hrbaty (2.51 @ William Hill) Stosur has virtually no pedigree on clay and Ivanovic should prove too much for her considering the run she had here last year which included a giantkilling against home favourite Mauresmo. Likewise, Rochus, Haas and Hrbaty are all in a different league from their respective opponents - Faurel, Schuettler and Roitman - and are certainly far more experienced at the highest level. 10pts Roddick-Karlovic-Monaco (4.02 @ William Hill) Roddick is way overpriced at 1.83 against Alberto Martin IMO. With stakes refunded in the event of a retirement, you've got to fancy Roddick to see off unfancied Martin here much as Roddick isn't much of a claycourt specialist - afterall, it's been a long time since Roddick got the boot in the first round at Roland Garros and I can't see Martin bucking the trend. Karlovic had a good claycourt preparation coming into Roland Garros and I have to believe he will have too much for Patience who is way too inconsistent at this level to make a sustained challenge in a best-of-5 affair. Monaco should also ease past Van Gemerden who has yet to prove himself too much at the ATP level. 10pts Safin-Ramirez Hidalgo-Ferrer (3.47 @ William Hill) Ferrer and Ramirez Hidalgo should have little trouble seeing off Garcia-Lopez and Ascione as they're a class above both their respective opponents. Safin is way too big to beat Gonzalez IMO. Safin might not have had any sort of a preparation coming into the French Open, but what he has got in terms of ability will more than make up for his lack of preparations on one of his better surfaces - Gonzalez has been stuttering lately and if his Hamburg form is anything to go by, there wouldn't be a hope of him pulling this one off so long as Safin turns up at 50% his potential permits. 5pts Berlocq to beat Ljubicic (5.00 @ William Hill) Berlocq has had a very good run in some of the lesser events on clay this year and I can see the Argentine give the overrated Croat a much closer game than the prices would suggest - wouldn't surprise me one bit if this match went the distance the way Acasuso-Santoro did. Definitely value for the ride there IMO. Cheers & Good Luck! :ok Starting Bank : 100.00pts Current Bank : 128.20pts Profit/Loss : 28.20pts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensibleboy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) SportTennis EventAndy Murray vs Gael Monfils SelectionAndy Murray Strength10/10 Date30/05/2006 Bookmaker/Price>Betfair @ 2.36 (Back) ReasoningAt 2.36 Andy Murray is way overpriced here. It was only a few weeks ago when he beat Monfils in Hamburg quite comfortably 6-4, 6-1. Murray is not at his best on clay but that win over Monfils a few weeks ago surely will have given him some confidence and he now knows he can beat this guy. Monfils does have home advantage but he just doesn't appeal as any value in my eyes. He had a tremendous run in Rome at the start of the month but Murray beat him fair and square a few weeks ago so why is he odds on to reverse the form here. Murray is a real battler and Im confident my fellow countryman can pull through at nice odds here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Well Intense, gotta admit, every round that we're on the same side of the same matches we tend to do well, so good luck to us as I'm going to be behind just about every one of those! Even debating taking the 3-0 set play for Monfils :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Monaco sure has some shocking losses when he doesn't go through the qualification process, wonder if he's really value against another qual with some mild success on clay this year. Keep in mind Van knew going in he didn't have to win that match in the Q. He would have been the highest ranked loser (thus getting into the main draw regardless) due to Clement pulling out and shifting him up the order. And while Monaco has had some success this year, it's not exactly been against in form players. One I know for sure is to not back the 3-0 with any serious intent. He has only won 3 rd128 (in GS) and is yet to win one in straight sets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Well Intense, gotta admit, every round that we're on the same side of the same matches we tend to do well, so good luck to us as I'm going to be behind just about every one of those! Even debating taking the 3-0 set play for Monfils :D 3-0 would be risky. 3-1 is most likely (the odds probably agree with that). The 3-0 at that sort of price (about 4.50) is something I'm leaving for tomorrow if I need to:lol :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Well, I ended up riding it anyways (5pts). I love fading the brits these days (sorry!) Also took the rest of your picks:ok, didn't have anything to add and to be honest I didn't have the time anyways.:unsure I'm adding 10pts ToJo over Rochus @ 1.96 (Betfair) - it's a risk, but it's one I'll take. He's had a few matches since the eye, and Rochus isn't exactly on the same level with ToJo, even at 80%. 10pts Massa over Norman @ 1.97 (Betfair) - Big Dick may have a heavy serve, but I'll take the clay courter anyday. Even better when he ripped through quallies and beat Beck, who I rate pretty high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensibleboy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Ive just watched the first set of Monflis vs Murray and both are absolutely diabolical. Murray up 3-0 then loses 6-4. I could beat that idiot Monflis but Murray is just scared to take his chances when they come. :wall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Ive just watched the first set of Monflis vs Murray and both are absolutely diabolical. Murray up 3-0 then loses 6-4. I could beat that idiot Monflis but Murray is just scared to take his chances when they come. :wall :lol:ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Ive just watched the first set of Monflis vs Murray and both are absolutely diabolical. Murray up 3-0 then loses 6-4. I could beat that idiot Monflis but Murray is just scared to take his chances when they come. :wall Just like Roddick he's not playing the way he should on clay - they are both going to be sent packing today (hopefully):ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) I'm still shocked to see Hrbaty! to be dominating anyone on clay.:loon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) I'm still shocked to see Hrbaty! to be dominating anyone on clay.:loon Me too:$. But it ain't over yet, Roitman has taken 1 of 9 break points so at least he's creating chances. He could still fall apart:hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Team Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) haha, the official site scoreboard appears to have gone back in time by 2 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) haha, the official site scoreboard appears to have gone back in time by 2 hours. My scoreboards been fine mate:unsure :unsure Roitman finally takes a chance and the 3rd set - Come On!!!:loon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobasooto Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) haha' date=' the official site scoreboard appears to have gone back in time by 2 hours.[/quote'] Same here.. its gone nuts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robby Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) In other news, ... Simon is getting Monstered! The way he's been playing and being at home, you'd think 3-0. Glad the odds didn't have value! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmphill Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Murrays trying his best to give this match to Monfils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Can't believe Vicente just lost to Waske, what a shocker. My first loss of the day:sad. But Montanes finished the job against Ginepri and Rochus won 3-0 so that's good:D. Roitman's about to serve for the 4th set:loon Murray/Monfils is going to take all day - Murray will start cramping in about half an hour. Don't think Gonzalez/Safin will get finished today:$ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmphill Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) 1-1 in sets now for Murray v Monfils. The big test will be Murrays fitness, can't be too long before he starts cramping and falling over again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensibleboy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) COMON ANDY! :drums Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmphill Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Hopefully not a kiss of death but he's looking good in the 3rd set. However his backs playing him up!:unsure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmphill Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) 1-1 in sets now for Murray v Monfils. The big test will be Murrays fitness, can't be too long before he starts cramping and falling over again!And the trainer comes on!:) Back playing up with Murray in control 3-0. This games going all the way for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Great timing now Monfils has some time to get his head sorted out - shocking 3 games to start this set:wall :wall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexmac Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Murray seems to be plagued by injury, do you think it is a psychological problem he has? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmphill Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Murray seems to be plagued by injury' date=' do you think it is a psychological problem he has?[/quote']He's still growing they say so if thats the case hes always going to suffer these problems until his bodys settled. Considering hes struggling hes doing well. Mind you Monfils is playing like a dog in the 3rd set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Intensity Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Murray seems to be plagued by injury, do you think it is a psychological problem he has? I think it's just a lack of conditioning and physical maturity. Maybe it will improve in the next couple of years. Compare him physically with Nadal or even Monfils - when Gasquet broke through a couple of years ago he was very weak physically and it took him a while doing nothing in challengers to improve and re-breakthrough last year. Monfils seems to have psychological problems right now:@ :@ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensibleboy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) Comon Murray, finish him off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canaletto Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 Re: Tennis : French Open (28th May - 11th June) murray is a pathetic human being, plain and simple! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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