Roger Federer joins the party in Montreal with the world waiting with baited breath to see if he can continue his magnificent 2017. The heavy pre-tournament favourite headlines an amazing Wednesday with Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev and Milos Raonic all getting their Montreal campaigns underway. Tournament organisers will be delighted with the line-up they’ve managed to assemble as so many big names face off in round 2.
Match Betting
Peter Polansky vs Roger Federer
Home favourite Polansky utilised his wild card with an impressive straight sets victory over fellow Canadian Vasek Pospisil in round 1 – he’s a rather optimistic 14/1 with Bet 365 to repeat the feat here. Federer unsurprisingly starts this one as the strong favourite – best priced 1/20 with Ladbrokes.
Head to Head
The only previous meeting between these 2 players took place in this very tournament at the exact same stage (R32) in 2014 with Federer comfortably winning 6-2 6-0 on that occasion.
Top Bet
The match winner market here really doesn’t represent any value and Polansky will have to reach unchartered levels to trouble Federer. The Swiss legend will be hoping to dispatch of Polansky as quickly as possible and a bet of Under 18.5 games in the match pays a very tempting 1/1 with Coral.
Kei Nishikori vs Gael Monfils
Two of the best movers in the game face off in round 2 in what promises to be one of the matches of the round. Consistency is the difference between these 2 men – Nishikori is famed for it – whilst Monfils is famed for lacking it. Nishikori’s run to the semis in Washington last week gives cause for optimism while Monfils bombed out to Yuki Bhambri – ranked 200 in the world.
Nishikori rightfully starts as the favourite here at 8/13 with Paddy Power whilst Monfils will be confident of causing some problems at 7/5 with Bet Victor.
Head to Head
Despite both men being mainstays on the tour over the past 5 years or so, this is only their 4th meeting with Nishikori leading the head to head 3:0. The Japanese number 5 seed last beat Monfils on the way to bronze at the Rio Olympics.
Top Bet
Nishikori should have too much for Monfils but it very much depends on which Monfils turns up. Of late, the inconsistent Frenchman has featured all too often so therefore backing Nishikori to win in straight sets at 6/4 with Betway could be a lucrative move.
Alexander Zverev vs Richard Gasquet
Alexander Zverev’s win in Washington last week further enhanced his reputation as the future of men’s tennis by claiming his 4th ATP tour level title of the year. He’s 4/11 with William Hill to advance over Gasquet who for one reason or another has struggled to develop any form this year and as a result the Frenchman is the firm outsider at 5/2 here with Sky Bet.
Head to Head
Both meetings between the pair have taken place this year with Zverev leading the contest 2:0. Wins for the young German in the semi-finals at Halle and the final in Montpellier are sure to boost his confidence heading into this one.
Top Bet
Two strong baseliners meet in an incredible looking encounter which may be closer than the bookmakers are suggesting. A tie-break in the match could be a good bet at 6/5 with Bet 365.
Multi-Bet:
The amount of huge names in action, further enhance the desire to place an accumulator and below are our Wednesday round 2 picks:
- Ryan Harrison vs Roberto Bautista Agut
- Grigor Dimitrov vs Mischa Zverev
- Adrian Mannarino vs Milos Raonic
- All 3 matches to go to 3 sets (regardless of winner) pays a very handsome 20.31/1 with Sky Bet.