Betdistrict.com
Big servers Frank Dancevic and Ivo Karlovic will square off at ATP Newport in a second round match that seems very likely to feature at least one or two tiebreaks.
Dancevic is having his best weeks in a really long time right now. The very talented Canadian has been derailed by inconsistency and physical problems over the course of his career, being relegated to playing futures tournaments in the first part of 2016. However, the grass court season reminded us about that Dancevic who was able to take on and defeat Top 20 players a few years ago. Frank has played very well on the green over the last few weeks, reaching Round 16 at Nottingham (def. Groth) and passing qualies here at Newport before dominating Harrison in the first round, 6-4 6-4.
Big Ivo had a bye in the first round, so this will be his first match this week at Newport. Surprisingly, Karlovic had a sub par grass court season. He reached the semifinals at Hertogenbosch, but lost 3 out of 7 matches played on the green and was defeated by Lacko in the Wimbledon second round. He`s not playing bad tennis, but considering his expectations and expertise on grass, Karlovic could have done better.
Bet on Dancevic – Karlovic & watch ATP Newport live streaming at Unibet.com now!
Dancevic leads the Head 2 Head 2-1 (1-0 on grass). He won the last meeting in 2014, at Wimbledon, in three sets. No less than 5 out of the 8 sets these two played together ended in a tiebreak. Two of the three meetings featured a tiebreak in the first set.
Dancevic put on a brilliant serving performance against Harrison in the first round, not allowing a single break point and being taken to deuce on his serve just one time – in the second game of the match. Still, Karlovic will obviously be a totally different caliber of opponent.
Dancevic comes into this match in good form, with good morale and with great rhythm after already playing three matches (even though he struggled in the qualies). I can see Frank being very strong in the first set, continuing his excellent serving and not giving Karlovic chances to break – especially as Big Ivo will play his first match of the tournament.
On the other hand, it`s more than reasonable to expect Karlovic to hold his mammoth serve easily against an inferior player, who also happens to be a poor returner.
A tiebreak in the first set is much more likely to happen than not to happen. Both guys are serving absolute bombs, the grass in Newport is very fast and I feel the circumstances also indicate a close first set.
All in all, my tip on this clash is a tiebreak to occur in the first set. If Dancevic keeps his nerve throughout the entire match, this could well be a meeting without breaks of serve, even if it happens to go to a deciding set. Prediction: Frank Dancevic – Ivo Karlovic 6-7 6-7.
Pick: First set tiebreak – yes
Odds: 1.95 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.60
Event date: 13 July
