Day 2 French Open action gets underway from 8.30pm and Ace has several plays ahead for the day.
Pending from last night
Bet 1 – 2.5 unit bet
Djere to defeat Thompson at -2.5 game handicap at $1.77 at Pinnacle ($1.88 at Lux) – think Djere will have a touch too much class on the clay for Thompson, especially if this match takes place in the wet/damp day 2 conditions forecast.
Day 2 Plays
Bet 2 – 1.5 unit bet
Strycova 2-0 set betting vs Hradecka at $1.83 at William Hill
Hradecka lucky to reach the main draw. I would be surprised to se her taking a set off Strycova in the forecast conditions, so the $1.83 available is worth a smaller play.
BEST BET -> Bet 3 – 3.5 unit bet
Samper-Montana to defeat Bourge at $2.20 at Bet365
Best bet of the night. Am staggered that Bourge is favourite, even taking into consideration he is from France. Samper-Montana had possibly the upset of the qualifying with a win over Khachanov, who had beaten the likes of Bautista-Agut and Bedene (twice). With a 2-0 head to head advantage favouring Samper-Montana, as well as strong qualifying form, I have to side with the Spaniard here on the clay.
NEXT BEST BET -> Bet 4 – 3 unit bet
Martin +4.5 games vs De La Nava at $1.90 at Pinnacle
Martin pushed Struff right to the limit in the 3rd and final round of qualifying, losing in 2 tight sets. Looking to make the most of his lucky loser position in the draw, I like Martin to keep it close, and even win, against Munoz de La Nava, who is 1 win and 8 losses on clay this year. Very comfortable to be taking the +4.5 game start here.
Bet 5 – 0.5 unit bet
Trungelliti to defeat Cilic at $11.45 at Betfair (after commission)
Bet 6 – 1.5 unit bet
Trungelliti +8.5 games vs Cilic at $1.85 at Pinnacle
BEST VALUE -> Bet 7 – 3 unit bet
Hesse to defeat Townsend at $3.38 at Pinnacle
I have been following Hesse for a year or so now, and firmly believe this price represents exceptional value against Townsend. After winning a few units on Townsend during the US hardcourt swing, I am more than happy to oppose her here. I think her ITF clay court form is overvalued here, and was shocked when I saw the price on Hesse in her home grand slam. I was anticipating Hesse at perhaps $2.20 at a maximum, so $3.38 is exceptional value.
Bet 8 – 1.5 unit bet
Diyas to defeat Witthoeft at $2.16 at Pinnacle
Should be favourite in my opinion. Very happy to make a play at this, with Diyas more proven at the WTA level in my opinion compared to Witthoeft. An intriguing matchup, but one I think favours Diyas.
Bet 9 – 1.5 unit bet
Cepede Royg to defeat Lisicki at $2.75 at Bet365
Always happy to be against Lisicki on the clay, especially if it is a damp clay tonight when they get on court. Cepede Royg was exceptional in qualifying, and has the court movement and shots to trouble Lisicki in a big way. If Royg can neutralise the Lisicki serve, she will go a long way to winning this. Happy to take the $2.75.
