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J-C Ferrero - Squillari
Only one question is needed to ask, and that's if J-C had time to reload? If the answer is yes, then I expect his tremendous form to take him far in Barcelona. Squillari hasn't looked impressive, and being down 4-0 against J-C, this looks easy.
However, even if a 1st round exit is a rare thing for J-C on clay, one must always consider that the courts on Barcelona require some adjustment. Dropping a set in the opener is not a rare thing, which make's a 2-1 set win at 4,50 considerable as an option to 1,10.
Ferrero to win
Moya - Voinea
Either you pick a descent claycourter to upset big, or you pick one of the very best on homecourt. I pick the best.
Moya to win
Acasuso - Mathieu
Could be good odds on this one! Acasuso is a good claycourter, proving his ability by beating Gonzalez in 1st rounds biggest upset. Didn't believe in him at that time, but facing the indoor player Mathieu struggling his way back from injury, this one should only end in one way.
Acasuso to win
Coria - Hrbaty
This is my fourth pick in a row, and I'm getting more worried of an upset now. Hrbaty crushed Qualifier Perez 61 60 in the opener. Sometimes such a thing come back to haunt you. Coria can whipe out anyone on a good day, but his performance in the Monte Carlo final wasn't one of them.
However, he's not likely to have forgotten his last meeting a year ago with Hrbaty, where he had to withdraw being 6-0 1-0 down. A much improved Coria should take revenge.
Coria to win
Warning signs on though picks:
Barcelona ain't offering such a load of upsets like Monte Carlo, but here I need at least two warning-signs:
Kuerten - Mantilla
Thinkin' of betting big on Kuerten? Here's reasons to consider;
1. Kuerten's breakdown against Norman in Monte Carlo was anything but glamorous.
2. Mantilla is born in Barcelona and has a big homecourt advantage
3. Trying to measure form, the advantage should go to Mantilla.
However;
1. Red clay is one good reason to consider Kuerten.
2. Meetings is tied 3-3, Kuerten has won the last three.
Sounds like reasons to void this matchup for easier picks (or take Mantilla on homecourt)
Nalbandian - Davydenko
Nalbandian took a convincing three set victory in Davis Cup less than a month ago against this russian. Despite that, I'm picking the warning sign here as the Russian since then has won Estoril on clay and reloaded his winning shots. Nalbandian was last grinded by Volandri and can't be too happy about that.
Possible void (or Nalbandian to win again)