Verdasco – Bachinger

Fernando Verdasco will take on Matthias Bachinger in the ATP Marseille second round, an ATP 250 event held on indoor hard.

Verdasco started the year with a solid showing at the Australian Open, where he lost in the third round to Cilic after missing match points. After a short break he returned for the indoor season, but failed to impress. Verdasco reached the quarterfinals in Sofia and the second round in Rotterdam, only managing to claim hard fought wins against average opponents like Copil or Ebden. He edged another close match in the first round here in Marseille, beating Gerasimov 4-6 6-3 7-5.

Bachinger has been pretty good for his standards so far in this indoor season, managing to qualify for the main draw in both ATP tournaments he took part in. Two weeks ago in Rotterdam Bachinger lost in the first round against Berdych, but was competitive and managed to win a set. Here in Marseille he defeated Ottee and Vatutin in straight sets in the qualies, before edging Darcis in the first round (4-6 6-3 6-4).

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This will be the first meeting between Verdasco and Bachinger. Both players are very solid on indoor hard and like to play in these conditions.

Obviously Verdasco is the better player here, and he is a deserving favorite to win this match. However, it can`t be denied that the Spaniard is not quite at his best during this indoor hard stretch. He has been shaky in all matches, and had to work hard for his wins even against guys like Copil, Ebden or Gerasimov.

Bachinger is in pretty good form right now, he will feel confident coming into this match and has the tools to give Verdasco a scare, especially if Verdasco plays like he did a couple of days ago against Gerasimov.

Bachinger proved he can challenge top players two weeks ago in Rotterdam when he took a set from Berdych, and Verdasco proved unable to dominate opponents of Bachinger`s caliber in the last few weeks – so logic would suggest this should be a tight match.

Taking the over on the total games line makes sense in my eyes, so my tip will be over 22,5 games to be played. Prediction: Fernando Verdasco – Matthias Bachinger 6-7 6-4 6-2.

Pick: over 22,5 games
Odds: 1.90 @ Unibet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.30
Event date: 21 February