French Open Daily Tips: Ambitious youngster set to go the distance

French Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 29 May 2010 /

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Number one by Christmas?

"This match will be a close affair with the possibility of five sets so there is definitely value in backing Dolgopolv at the current [4.2] on offer and over’s on the total games market."

Ben Caudell believes there is value to be had when two in-form players come face to face at Roland Garros...

Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr (UKR)
Today's match between clay court specialist Nicolas Almagro of Spain and one of the most promising rising stars on the circuit, Oleksandr Dolgopolov is the only match from Saturday's order of play where I think there is value.

Both players come into this battle off the back of some decent form and comprehensive results. It was only yesterday that the Ukrainian - my tip to defeat Fernando Gonzalez - wiped the floor with the No.12 seeded Chilean and last year's semi-finalist in three straight sets 6-3 6-4 6-3. No.19 seed Almagro reached the third round for the third year in the row as eased past Steve Darcis of Belgium 6-3, 6-0, 7-5.

Almagro, who reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros in 2008, is 8-2 on clay and 8-2 at the French Open. The Spaniard came into this year's event off the back of a semi- final appearance at the Madrid Masters in which he surprised many by taking a set off Rafael Nadal.

Dolgopolov Jr, who has risen to an all time high of 56 in the world rankings, this time last year, was ranked 338 in the world. He is 6-4 on clay and is 2-0 in his debut year in the main draw proper at the French Open.

Nicolas Almagro will know very little about Dolgopolov Jr, other than the fact that he managed to put up a good fight against Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Masters. The Spaniard will have to be wary and respectful of the Ukrainian if he is to proceed through to the next round, for it is Dolgopolv who has nothing to lose and all to gain when he steps out on court against Almagro today. The youngster's favourite surface is clay and his ambition is to be ranked No.1 in the world - judging by the rate he's moving up the rankings, he'll be there by Christmas!

This match will be a close affair with the possibility of five sets so there is definitely value in backing Dolgopolv at the current [4.2] on offer and over's on the total games market.

Recommended bets:
Back Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr @ [4.2] to win match
Back Over 36.5 Games @ [1.86]
Lay Almagro 3-0 @ [2.7]

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