With one week to go until the US Open kicks off, hard court match practice is the number one priority for all of the players here in North Carolina. 14 of the world’s top 50 players arrive at the Winston Salem Open with yet another intriguing week of tennis in prospect following Grigor Dimitrov’s stellar performance in Cincinnati last week. Roberto Bautista-Agut is the number 1 seed here but with plenty of young, up and coming talent in the draw, along with a plethora of home interest in the final tournament before Flushing Meadows.
Outright Betting
The outright markets – as always – are governed by who’s due to play who and where the threats in the draw lie. With time on the court perhaps being a bigger priority for the players, it promises to be a very open field this week. Here’s a look at some of our tips for the title:
John Isner – 9/2 (Bet 365) – The big-serving American has been in sparkling form of late and was unlucky not to reach the final in Cincinnati last week – losing to the eventual winner Dimitrov in the semi-finals in two tight sets. Isner is seeded 3 here in North Carolina and looks well placed to take advantage of a favourable draw.
Roberto Bautista Agut – 9/2 (Sky Bet) – Top seed Bautista Agut will be looking to go one better this year after reaching the final in 2016 where he lost out to fellow countryman Pablo Carreno Busta. One of the most consistent performers on tour, he will be disappointed to have lost out in round one in Cincinnati last week and he looks well placed to rectify that here.
Pablo Carreno Busta – 8/1 (Betfred) – Last year’s champion returns to the Winston Salem Open looking to continue his good form. His victory here last year provided a catalyst for the Spaniard as he has been in the form of his life in 2017. Now ranked at 17 in the world and the number 2 seed here, he will fancy his chances of being able to defend his title.
Daniil Medvedev – 11/1 (Bet Victor) – One of the next generation of starts on the ATP tour, Medvedev has had a breakthrough year in 2017 with the highlight being an opening round Wimbledon win over Stan Wawrinka. He’s a relative unknown quantity on the hard courts however and will be eager to prove his abilities here.
Other players to look out for in the draw – predominantly for each way betting:
Steve Johnson – 14/1 (Bet Victor) – Another big serving American who hasn’t shown too much form lately but could capitalise on home advantage here.
Yuichi Sugita – 25/1 – (Coral) – A remarkable run to the last 8 in Cincinnati – will be keen to back that up here.
Ernests Gulbis – 33/1 (Bet 365) – The enigmatic Latvian has received a wild-card here and is always a threat.