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Second round at Kitzbuhel, a pretty interesting match-up between these two players. Haase is a the reigning two-time champion here in Austria, winning in 2011 and 2012 his only career titles. He`s chasing a historic hattrick for him. Robin and Daniel met only one time so far, Haase won in a challenger, in 2007, on carpet. Not very relevant.
The dutch had a mediocre season so far but managed to find some great form last week, playing the final at Gstaad (l. to Youzhny) after defeating Tipsarevic or Feliciano Lopez. He also played a challenger final at Schveningen in the beginning of July, so he is in excellent shape at the moment. Here at Kitzbuhel, Haase defeated Rufin 6-4 7-6 in the first round.
Brands is a solid player, he likes these fast clay courts like the ones here in Gstaad. He played some great tennis in the past weeks and he actually recorded a huge win over Roger Federer at Gstaad. But that level of play didn`t last long, as he was dismantled by Hanescu in the next round. Brands is a very inconsistent player, he can produce quality tennis against top opponents, but he rarely reaches the final stages of tournaments and almost every week he loses to mediocre competitors. The german defeated Berlocq in the first round here, a solid victory (though in a close match). He rarely replicates good performances so a meltdown from him today is very possible.
I see Haase edging this game and I am relying on his form and the level of play he produces at Kitzbuhel. He`s been great in the last weeks, he served solid, moved well, kept the ball in play. This will pose problems for the unforced error – prone Brands. Despite the fact that, as I said, the german also appreciates fast clay, the surface suits Haase better, and his two titles here are proof of that. It`s a huge thing to have a tournament where you`re performing so good, and Robin will always have an edge here, on these courts, so this is another advantage for him today. The fact that the dutch played a final last week is not too worrying for me, he is much fitter than to tire after only one week of tennis.
The game will mostly be played on serve, as both players have a great first ball, but in the end Robin should take advantage of his current level of play and reach the quarter finals. Daniel will probably lose this one thanks to his unforced errors and lapses in concentration.
My pick is a close 2 set win for the reigning champion, something like 7-6 6-4. He`s a steady player and when he`s on a roll, he does not produce unpleasant surprises. Big confidence for me on this one. Good luck.
Pick: Haase
Odds: 1.76 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 6.84
Event date: 31 July
