French Open Day Two Tips: Watson can pass tough test

French Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 22 May 2011 / 1

" class="free_bet_btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">

Ben's backing Helen to triumph on day two

"Watson has won nine matches on clay this year and admits that it has become one of her favourite surfaces."

Ben Caudell expects an upset in the men's draw on day two and a winning start for a young British pretender in the women's...

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) v Frederico Gil (POR)

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis is in terrible shape and form coming into Monday's French Open match-up against 2011 Monte Carlo quarter finalist Frederico Gil of Portugal and in my opinion he's overpriced at [1.9] to win.

In part due to injuries that have so far plagued Baghdatis this year, the former Australian Open finalist has recorded a shocking two wins from his last 11 since retiring from The Dubai Open back in February.

In fact, Baghdatis's form is so bad that he has lost six of the last seven matches when priced as favourite, four of his last five on clay, and has yet to win two consecutive matches since his quarter final appearance in Rotterdam, also in February.

Facing the Cypriot on Monday is a player who is no stranger to the red dirt. The 2010 Estoril clay court Champions best tournament result of the year was when he won five matches on the trot (including qualifying) defeating Sergiy Stakhovsky, Florian Mayer and Gael Monfils, before bowing out of his first ever Master Series quarter-final match against Andy Murray in Monte Carlo.

Since then, the Portuguese's form hasn't been great, but he has won four of his last five best of five set matches, carries a better surface rating than his opponent and was successful in their most recent head-to-head to level the series at one match apiece.

Recommended Bet
Back Frederico Gil @ [2.1] to win match

Stephanie Foretz Gacon (FRA) v Heather Watson (GBR)

2009 US Open girls' event champion Heater Watson has become the first British woman since 1983 to reach the main draw at the French Open via the qualifying rounds.

The recently 19-year-old, who is a member of the famous Nick Bollettieri training academy in Florida, has won nine matches on the clay this year and admits that it has become one of her favourite surfaces.

Watson faces a tough test against home favourite Foretz Gacon, who was given a wild card into the main event, but she can be buoyed by the knowledge that she won their most recent match at the Memphis International this year. The young Brit, who is also ranked 21 places higher than her opponent at 119, has won her last four of five matches on clay and will be confident. her 30-year-old opponent has lost seven matches in a row at the French Open and her last four in all Grand Slams.

Recommended Bet
Back Heather Watson @ [2.0] to win match

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

(1)

Jean-Claude Meslin | 15 June 2011

I have known Heater Watson and her coach Andrew Fisher when they went to the Petits Princes Tournament in Annecy France. She was at that time 13 years old. I referee her and being English speaking I had been friend with the English delegation for several years. Once, I met Mark Cox.
I know that Heater was born on May 19th 1992 in Guernesey. I also was born on May 19th (1939).
Through Internet I follow her career; she does well. Good Luck for Wimbledon. I may be there at the beginning. Sincerely.
Jean-Claude Meslin