Betdistrict.com
James Ward and Bjorn Fratangelo will square off in the second qualifying round at the ATP Miami masters, with a place on the main draw on the line.
Ward defeated Sugita 3-6 6-0 6-3 in the first round, his biggest win of the year so far. It was the first time Ward defeated a Top 100 player this season and that really says a lot. He never won more than 1 match in a tournament this year, despite playing only challengers or ATP qualifiers. Since his third round showing at Wimbledon last season, Ward could not put together any kind of form and his rank of 182nd in the World says it all – a drop of almost 100 places in the last 10 months. Inconsistency and unforced errors are defining his game over the last few months, as it has been the case for most of his career.
Fratangelo seems to be having a breakout year in 2016. Ranked 134th in the World, the American put on some decent performances in the first two months of the season, including qualifying for the Australian Open, but his best showing was definitely last week in Indian Wells. Fratangelo passed qualifications, defeated Gabashvili 6-4 6-4 by playing some really solid tennis and went on to take a set from Djokovic in a second round loss.
Bet now on Ward vs. Fratangelo with the highest Miami Masters odds at 1xbet.com!
The two players never mete before on tour. Both are very capable on hard courts, so the surface will not favor one or the other.
If Fratangelo maintains the level he showed last week, there can be little to no debate about who will win this match – and I see no reason why he won`t. He`s on the rise, in good form, improving consistently recently. He will draw a lot of confidence from that performance and will be fired up to repeat it.
Even if not at his best, the American still has the first chance here. He`s a consistent guy, smart – aggressive, usually able to limit his unforced errors. Those qualities will work very well against an erratic, error – prone James Ward.
Fratangelo is simply the more in form and more confident player here. He is definitely playing better tennis than James Ward both long – term and especially short – term. Simply put, he is a better player now than the Brit. I expect Fratangelo to get on top in most rallies, staying more consistent from the baseline and forcing errors from Ward, but also hitting winners.
Look for the American to claim victory here, possibly in straight sets, so my tip is Fratangelo to win. Odds are obviously not so high, but they are more than fair and good enough to be taken as a singles bet, considering Fratangelo’s chances to win. I will stake 9 units on this pick. Prediction: James Ward – Bjorn Fratangelo 5-7 3-6.
Watch ATP Miami live at 1xBet.com – your new top class live streaming bookmaker!
Pick: Fratangelo
Odds: 1.49 @ 1xBet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 4.41
Event date: 22 March
