This clash on the grass court promises fireworks as two big servers lock horns under the midday sun. The German looks the steadier man over the long haul yet the Frenchman packs enough fire power to snatch an early set and keep the contest alive. Expect plenty of free points on serve mixed with tense rallies that will test both players nerves when the score tightens. Bookmakers have already priced the German as favourite but the value lies in backing a hard fought victory rather than a straight sets stroll.
Team Form
- Hanfmann has won four of his last six matches on grass showing solid return stats and fewer double faults than usual.
- Perricard blasted twenty five aces in his opening round but struggled with second serve points won against left handers.
- Both men arrive with fresh legs after comfortable first round wins though the German has played one extra set this week.
Tactical Analysis
- The Frenchman will look to dominate with his heavy first serve and finish points quickly on the forehand wing.
- Hanfmann prefers to stretch rallies and attack the second serve using his variety of slice and topspin to move the giant around the court.
- Key moments will come on the big points in the middle sets where the German experience on grass should give him the edge in tie breaks.
Weather conditions look perfect for baseline play with little wind expected so the ball should fly through the court at pace. Both players have shown they can handle pressure on their own serve yet the German has the better record of breaking when it matters most in long matches. Look out for a possible dip in serving accuracy as fatigue sets in during the later sets which could open the door for some dramatic breaks of serve.
Betting Proposal
The smart money is on a four set battle where the German grinds out the win after dropping the opener. This scenario offers better value than a simple outright win because the Frenchman will surely land at least one big serving set before the German settles. The recommended play combines the German to reach the next round with the total sets going over three and a half at a tasty price.
Hanfmann to win in four sets combined with total sets over 3.5 at 1.85.
