Benneteau – Zverev

Veteran Frenchman Julien Benneteau will try to claim his first win on the main draw of an ATP Event in almost one year, but in form youngster Alexander Zverev will be no easy task for Julien as the two meet in the Marseille first round.

Benneteau came back this year after an 8 month layoff due to hernia surgery and he was largely disappointing in his first few matches, claiming just one set in losses against Falla, Almagro, Millman and Kohlschreiber. Julien did finally found some rhythm here in Marseille, winning two qualifying matches in straight sets (Fabbiano, Lamasine), but now he will have to take a step up in terms of opposition.

German teenager Alexander Zverev is definitely one of the hottest prospect on the tour. Ranked No. 56 in the World at just 18 years, he may well be the most promising player out there and after emerging last year, he really stepped it up this year. Zverev is in some fine form right now, coming after a semifinal showing in Montpellier and a quarterfinal exit in Rotterdam, defeating players like Cilic, Pospisil or Simon.

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The two players never met before on tour. Both like the indoor hard surface in Marseille and nobody holds a particular advantage in terms or styles and / or matchup.

Zverev is no fluke, he truly seems the real deal, showing natural and consistent progress in the last couple of years. His level of play right now is really solid and, while it’s true that he’s still very young, his consistency is impressive.

I don’t think Zverev’s age will be a disadvantage against Benneteau, actually I reckon his stamina and enthusiasm will be an advantage against the veteran, who is far from his best days right now, struggling to come back and find his game.

Unless Bennetteau magically starts playing like 5 years ago, which is virtually impossible, or Zverev suffers a massive collapse, the German should win this match without too many problems. Right now he’s in a nother league than Benneteau in terms of level of play and he’s certainly fitter, in better rhythm.

While I do expect Benneteau to play some decent tennis, it will likely not be enough as he still needs time to find his game. The German is too strong of an opponent for him at this stage in his career and my tip is Zverev to win. Love the odds here, so I will invest high stakes on the bet. Prediction: Julien Benneteau – Alexander Zverev 2-6 5-7.

Pick: Zverev
Odds: 1.63 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.67
Event date: 16 February