Christmas came early in Switzerland as Tsonga fell victim to a right arm injury. Suffered sometime in the vicinity of his loss to Wawrinka, the French star was blown off the court by Stan’s 61 winners. Now the French coach had a decision with the entire Davis Cup on the line. Try and go with a Jo-Wilfried who would certainly give it his all but is essentially missing a wing or opt for Gasquet who has a horrid head to head matchup record with Roger. In the end, the clay surface was the tiebreakin factor and Richard made his way to lead off the reverse singles.
Why Clay?
Richard’s only win against Roger came on this surface in a three set Masters series event in Rome during 2011. Now not all was lost because of the unknown status of Federer’s back. He got bounced badly at the hands of Monfils in the first round of singles. Now we have a player that when inspired is capable of elite level tennis. The problem is that no one knows all the factors necessary to unlock this equation. On this day…
Recipe for Coca Cola
The ingredients are hidden away. Tucked away behind a vault, only a few people are privy to what makes Coca Cola taste so good to it’s fans. The same thing for Richard when it comes to what makes him tick as he came out flatter than a pancake. Roger was inspired as he could see the eye on the prize. 6-4,6-2, 6-2 was a surrender after the first set. If not for the popularity of Federer, the tennis world would have had a hard time swallowing and watching the final sets. Federer was a heavy favorite and they were right with him and the under cashing.
For as lackluster as the ATP London was, this Davis Cup gives us some drama and wagering excitement for Australia. People and oddsmakers want to see the defending champ actually have a realistic shot at repeating. Wawrinka has reversed all concerns over a poor 2014 with some of his tennis to end this year. Roger at #2 in the world is stirring hopes for one more major. The ATP certainly benefited from the Davis Cup. Stay tuned next week to Apextennisbetting as we start to handicap Aussie Open futures and the tune up events for both the ATP and WTA.
