Betdistrict.com
Gilles Simon and Tomas Berdych will end the tennis day at the ATP Shanghai Masters event with a mouthwatering and apparently evenly matched encounter, counting for the Round 16.
Simon has a final to defend in China, after losing a tight last act against Federer in 2014. The Frenchman has been in good form all season and he`s playing well in the last couple of months as well, but in all honesty he`s not quite at his best level. Something is missing, as Gilles is losing to players like Young, Tsonga or Muller – which he would beat if he were in top shape. Gilles is fresh of a QF exit at Tokyo, losing to Muller 0-2 and won both of his matches in Shanghai in three sets against Basilashvili and Leonardo Mayer.
Berdych is in a similar situation, good form, but not quite his best. The Czech player won Shenzen without losing a set two weeks ago, followed that with a first round exit in Beijing with Cuevas (being tired) and defeated Jack Sock 2-1 in his only match here in Beijing. Looking at his performance in Shenzen, he does seem to be closer to his best level than Simon is, but Berdych will know that the last time he met Gilles, he was blown out.
Bet on Simon vs. Berdych and get your 100% welcome freebet at Bet365.com now!
Simon owns the Head 2 Head with a 7-4 advantage and clearly he knows how to play Berdych. The Frenchman ruined Tomas 6-3 6-3 6-2 in their last meeting, at Wimbledon, right where Berdych would theoretically had the most advantages over Simon. On the other hand, Berdych won the other meeting this year in similar dominant fashion, 6-2 6-1 in Rotterdam.
Berdych does seem to be the more in form player of the two, he`s the better player overall and the surface will also play to his advantage. However, Simon has to defend last years’ final, he`s playing well, is motivated and most importantly knows how to play Tomas.
I believe Berdych will win this match, but the Head 2 Head matchup should allow Simon to take this to three sets and give a massive fight to the Czech player. Expect a close match, with Berdych dominating when his shots will find the line, but with Simon able to often force him to hit extra shots and get some momentum himself in those situations.
My tip is over 23 games and the line can also be covered in two tight sets or provide us with a void bet in case of a 7-6 6-4. Prediction: Gilles Simon – Tomas Berdych 4-6 6-3 3-6.
ATP Shanghai live streaming available for players with a funded account at Bet365.
Pick: over 23 games
Odds: 1.83 @ Youwin
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.64
Event date: 15 October
