The second day of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals sees the two groups which did not get their campaign underway on Sunday doing so on a day where by the end of it everyone who started the tournament will be up and running for the event.
We saw some great tennis in conditions which look conducive to decent action on Sunday but there was a tinge of disappointment at the end of it when Matteo Berrettini retired from his match with an injury that is likely to end his competition.
Afternoon Session
Rajeev Ram & Joe Salisbury vs Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares
The one thing we know about the opening doubles match of the day is that there will be a British winner in it as the number two seeds Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury, the US Open champions, take on Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares who are back at the season finale once again after a few years away with other partners.
These are two decent teams. For me the Ram and Salisbury pairing is slightly better but there isn’t a lot in it and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this one went to the match tiebreak. I think the odds are generally about right here, particularly when you consider that these two met in two Grand Slams this year and the Ram and Salisbury partnership won on both occasions. I expect the number two seeds to win here but I respect the big stage prowess of Murray and Soares enough to leave this one alone.
Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud
The opening singles match on Monday afternoon is a clash of experience against inexperience as Novak Djokovic goes in search of a sixth ATP World Tour Finals title when he begins his title quest against the debutant Casper Ruud.
You would have to suggest that the Norwegian is up against it in this match in these conditions, although the two have never met before so that might allow Ruud to get into the match. Once Djokovic begins to show his class though I expect him to run out a pretty simple winner but the fact it might take him a few games to get the required reads doesn’t make handicap betting, particularly as if you take Ruud you’ll be relying on him not being nervous and settling into his work quickly. I’m happy to leave this one alone.
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Evening Session
Nicolas Mahut & Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs Juan Sebastian Cabal & Robert Farah
The evening session begins with the doubles action which sees our outright pick Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert on court for the first time this week when they go up against the Colombian pairing of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.
I was hot on the French pairing before a ball was hit this week and I’m not deserting them before they have played a match, especially as they have a 4-1 hard court superior record of the two partnerships, including two wins at this tournament in London over the years. Much has been made of the speedy nature of this court and that is going to keep Mahut interested with his big serve. Herbert is no slouch either so I’ve got to favour the French even more on this course. The Colombians prefer things a little slower so I’m expecting a French win but the odds are reflective of that.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Andrey Rublev
The final match of the second day of the tournament is due to see the Greek ace Stefanos Tsitsipas looking to start his quest for a second success in this competition when he takes on the Russian number two Andrey Rublev.
I say it is supposed to be that match but we haven’t actually had it confirmed that Tsitsipas will play after he pulled out of Paris with an arm injury. He has stated that he is still practicing in pain but hasn’t pulled out yet, although rumours started surfacing on Sunday that he might well do that. If he does and we back Rublev here then we’ll get a refund on our bet but if the Greek doesn’t withdraw then Rublev looks a good price at odds against. Rublev hasn’t been in the best form coming in here but at least he’s healthy and he’ll appreciate the quicker conditions more. If Tsitsipas is in pain he might not hit the ball with as much power or authority and that would just have it sat up and there to be attacked. It is hard to see how Tsitsipas will be at full fitness here so Rublev has to be the bet, but it might be worth taking it somewhere who pays out after the first set in case the Greek retires at any point.
Tips
Back A.Rublev to beat S.Tsitsipas for a 3/10 stake at 2.05 with Coral
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