Stan Wawrinka headlines a strong looking field in Bulgaria as the ATP Tour rolls into Sofia. Tournament organisers will be delighted with the field they have managed to assemble and it promises to be a highly entertaining week of tennis in the Bulgarian capital. There’s a strong 32 draw present in Sofia with players opting to hit the hard courts of Europe rather than the clay in South America.
Here’s a look at some of our favourites for the Sofia Open title:
Stan Wawrinka – 3/1 (Coral) – 3-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has had a rough time with injuries lately and he will be eager to get back to full fitness and back into the world’s top 10. His performance at the Australian Open will be concerning for the big hitting Swiss number 2 and minutes on court will be the priority here.
Gilles Muller – 6/1 (BetVictor) – The veteran lefty from Luxembourg had another incredible year in 2017 as he surged into the world’s top 30 in his most consistent season on the tour. Seeded 3 here, he looks to have a tricky draw but if he can negotiate the first couple of rounds could be the biggest question for him this week.
Philipp Kohlschreiber – 8/1 (Stan James) – The experienced German bombed out in the first round in the Australian Open and his form of late will be concerning. He does have years of experience to call upon at this level however and his steady game is always difficult to play against – regardless of opponent.
Adrian Mannarino – 17/2 (188 Bet) – The diminutive Frenchman kept his country in the Davis Cup with a gritty win over Robin Haase to take the holders through and if he can carry on that form in Sofia, he will be one to watch here. Seeded number 2, he looks to have a good-looking draw here and could be a very good value punt.
The Sofia Open looks very open this week and here are some of the outside picks:
Viktor Troicki – 12/1 (Betfair) – The fiery Serbian is always up for the battle and he looks to have a favourable draw – until at least round 3.
Robin Haase – 16/1 (Ladbrokes) – The Dutchman has become one of the most consistent players on tour in recent times and despite his gut-wrenching defeat to Mannarino in the Davis Cup last time out, should arrive in Sofia well practiced.
Andreas Seppi – 20/1 (Betfred) – The big-hitting Italian is always one to watch in any event and he will be eager to fight his way back into the world’s top 50.
Denis Istomin – 22/1 (Coral) – The man from Uzbekistan has struggled for form of late but his game is well suited to hard court tennis and he could be one to watch here.
Top Pick – Stan Wawrinka – 3/1 (Coral)
Outside Pick – Adrian Mannarino – 17/2 (188 Bet)