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Jo Wilfried Tsonga makes his anticipated return on the tour here in Miami against American Timi Smyczek. The second round match was supposed to be played yesterday, but a storm in Miami forced a postponement for Saturday evening.
Tim Smyczek is your classic journeyman and challenger player, always hovering around the Top 100 borderline. However, he is playing some of the best tennis of his career right now, back in the Top 80 after two years and getting some really solid wins. Smyczek is on the back of a final appearance at the very strong Irving challenger, defeating the likes of Struff, Muller, Becker and Stakhovsky before losing to Bedene. He defeated Menendez Maiceiras in three sets in the first round here at Miami – deserving but unconvincing win
Tim has good results at challenger level this season but, like always, he is unable to reach the next level and challenge on an ATP level – although he played what was arguably the best match of his live in the second round of the Australian Open, taking Rafa Nadal to 5 sets – an impressive feat, even though Nadal was light years away from his best.
Bet on Smyczek vs. Tsonga and watch Indian Wells live streaming at Bet365.com!
Tsonga did not play this season due to a tendon inflammation in his right hand, which caused him to under perform in the 2014 Davis Cup final. Miami will be the first tournament of 2015 for the frenchman, he had a bye in the first round and he said that he wants to play the best tennis he can play, have a good week and stay healthy. Obviously we can not expect Tsonga to be at his best, but that won`t be needed to defeat a player like Smyczek.
The Head 2 Head is 0-0, the two players never met before on tour and we can’t talk about a matchup advantage or disadvantage for either of the two here.
Smyczek is a good defender and baseline player, can also hit some good offensive shots when he`s in form, but that`s about it. Particularly his serve is nothing special and that will be his downfall today. Tsonga should be able to at least hold serve, and with Tim`s mediocre serve, Jo Wilfried can get some chances on the return. At the worst case, Tsonga should serve his way to tiebreaks, where Smyczek’s traditional choking will come into effect. Tim is well known for blowing leads and freezing in important moments even at challenger level, let alone in what is such a big match for him.
The good thing about Tsonga’s injury is that you instantly know if a tendon inflammation recidivates, so if that happens, Jo will retire. Of course, it`s extremely unlikely, as it was no hurry for him to play this tournament if he wasn`t 100% fit, so at the worst case he will probably retire before the match if there`s the slightest issue. My tip is Tsonga to win – he did not stay out of the tour long enough for him to be able to lose to Smyczek. I recommend taking this tip at a bookie that voids bets if at least the first set hasn`t been completed – better safe than sorry. Prediction: Tim Smyczek – Jo Wilfried Tsonga 6-7 5-7.
Live streaming for Tim Smyczek vs. Jo Wilfried Tsonga available at Bet365.com.
Pick: Tsonga
Odds: 1.55 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 4.95
Event date: 28 March
