1.2.13: I Spy

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 08:17 AM

ATP Doha: Kohlschreiber -165
Monfils is the opposition. Read some very weird reports from the off-season about Clown-fils. For some time apparently no one had even heard from him in December for days in a row. There was some thought from his last coach - with whom he separated late last year - that he was pondering retirement. Monfils has dominated the head-2-head in this series, but both went three sets last year when they met. Both cruised in their openers, but Monfils was playing a local teen who did not offer a legit test. Kohli had tougher competition in Dodig and he pulled away in straights. It's still some guesswork early in the season, but there's some questionable stuff attitude wise on Monfils while looks to be the player whose level of engagement you don't have to question right now. Juice worth the squeeze for me on Kohli.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 11:43 AM

Getting on this one before more info starts getting looked over by people.

ATP Hopman Cup: Verdasco +120
Granted, Verdasco is not the player he was when he rose into the Top 10 - but he is still serviceable when his head is screwed on straight. He chose the Hopman Cup for his warm-up to the Australian Open because he likens the conditions - both heat and crowd - to what players see in Melbourne. So far, like Isner, he has lost to Anderson & Tsonga. While Verdasco's play may not inspire a ton of confidence - Isner's health may. Thank the Blogosphere for info from Isner's mixed doubles partner, Venus Williams, who hinted that Isner has been struggling with a knee problem this week. Certainly that may have come into play with the way he was demolished by Tsonga. Verdasco has seen a big serve in Anderson already, so if he can find a way to get his racketon Isner's serve and make the big man have to work for points ... I do fancy that he can give the Big Tie Break and run for his money. Not sure the knee will be the ultimate factor, but players rarely want to push it early if they pick up a little nagging thing like this that could turn into a colossal headache if not given a little rest. At plus money, 'Nando is worth a squeeze.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 11:45 AM

One good. One bad from this morning. Kohlschreiber chunked away his serve at the worst times in the two sets he lost, losing in three overall. Such is early season betting.

JNic · 01-02-13, 01:08 PM

Thanks for the info, Im gonna tail Verdasco

beefcake · 01-02-13, 01:38 PM

Its Donkey time...

Winner!!

+

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 05:46 PM

WTA Auckland: Wickmayer -145
Belgian v. Belgian with Wickmayer & Flipkens. Wickmayer is another who seems hell-bent on making 2013 better than 2012. Reports indicate she did seven hard weeks of training in preps for the beginning of the season, pronouncing herself as fit as she has been in quite some time. She has adjusted her play from late last year as well - taking the ball earlier & trying to maintain aggressiveness throughout a match. So far, good dividends with a pair of wins in which her serve has held up reasonably well too. Flipkens found little resistance against Parmentier after a tough three set opener. Wickmayer has been a quick starter in Australia over the years with some of her best results in early January. She is also in-tune with the courts in Auckland with a 12-3 mark in five trips here now, including two trips to the finals.

matt05man · 01-02-13, 07:43 PM

Seems like we're on the same picks to start the season.

BoL

JNic · 01-02-13, 09:11 PM

Isner got cancelled, good info tho

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 09:12 PM

Not that surprised, Isner-Verdasco cancelled due to Isner's knee injury - was hoping he might try to go for a set. Oh well, info was balls-on accurate from Venus.

VegasInsider · 01-02-13, 09:21 PM

EP...what do you think of Hewitt/Istomin O22.5 tonight??

I really like it. I know there is a lot of love for the vet Hewitt and is current form and emotion. I could see this being a 3-setter and hopefully at least one tiebreak.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 09:23 PM

ATP Brisbane: Goffin -150
Goffin v. Melzer. Melzer worked hard to take down Kudla in 3, while Goffin whipped Ebden in straights. Goffin was one of the big risers in 2012, moving up 140 spots or so into the Top 40. The surface seems suited to his game as Goffin has toted a solid record on outdoor hard courts albeit without a ton of experience just yet. It seems as though Goffin is intent on making some noise in Melbourne this year, choosing to prep in the Aussie tourney rather than Chennai where he had to play through qualis the last couple of seasons. Even when Melzer was at his best, this was not his best surface and he normally is a bit sluggish out of the gates in these pre-Australian Open tournaments without making any deep runs recently. You look for that edge, youth, hunger and desire should be to Goffin as a young buck sitll looking to rise even more.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 09:28 PM

Originally posted by VegasInsider

EP...what do you think of Hewitt/Istomin O22.5 tonight??

I really like it. I know there is a lot of love for the vet Hewitt and is current form and emotion. I could see this being a 3-setter and hopefully at least one tiebreak.

Not sure on the total. I have been stuck with my trigger finger on Hewitt all day @ -115 and likely to play him later. The only thing that would shy me on an over is Istomin's mindset this week. He has big points to defend next week in Sydney after a big run last year, while losing just a little if he checks out this round vs. his QF performance in Brisbane last year. May not be in his mind at all, but something to chew on. You'd think his serve will be tough to crack for Hewitt if it's on.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-02-13, 09:34 PM

Wick Wicky gets 'er done in straights.

beefcake · 01-02-13, 10:21 PM

Dammit man, missed this one.Got goffin at 66-1 at Bovada so sitting this one out..If he wins to get tot he QF and Dimitrov can win look out!

Hangoverblack · 01-02-13, 11:50 PM

[QUOTE=EaglesPhan36;17344150]Not sure on the total. I have been stuck with my trigger finger on Hewitt all day @ -115 and likely to play him later. The only thing that would shy me on an over is Istomin's mindset this week. He has big points to defend next week in Sydney after a big run last year, while losing just a little if he checks out this round vs. his QF performance in Brisbane last year. May not be in his mind at all, but something to chew on. You'd think his serve will be tough to crack for Hewitt if its on.

Seems like you favor Istomin??

Hewitt is going to have to step it up to win two sets tonight.

I am going to play Istomin, and hope he comes to play.

EaglesPhan36 · 01-03-13, 12:07 AM

Not really. It's a toss-up, but early in the season I am looking for the people who prepped hardest for the season.. My opinion is that Hewitt's desire and his prep aren't a question. Istomin is. I'd rather take Hewitt knowing he'll fight.

Hangoverblack · 01-03-13, 12:15 AM

Thanks for the clarification.

I have been watching this line all day, and we now have this at 1.83 at many books. A bit of RLM I suppose, although I appreciate how little this means in tennis.

In the opener Istomin looked sharp, in form, and has played well here previously. Hewitt is not as familiar with the tourney despite his home field advantage, and has not played many hard court matches outside of majors it seems.

I see nice value on the smaller name as my local has Istomin at EV for the ML.

Best of luck to you EP