Two veterans of the ATP tour face off in an interesting clash in Houston, with Fernando Verdasco taking on 7th seed Marcos Baghdatis in the second round of the US Men’s Clay Court Championships. This match will take place at around 20:00 Houston Time (02:00 UK Time), and the winner will face off against 4th seed Jack Sock or qualifier Matthew Barton in the quarter-final.
Both men have had decent seasons so far, and they both impressed in their first round clashes. Verdasco played a strong match against the potentially dangerous qualifier Carlos Berlocq, easing past the Argentine in straight sets; a similar performance will give him a good opportunity. However Baghdatis, not a clay specialist, stormed past another Argentine, Diego Schwartzman, without conceding a single game. It was one of the best performances in a long time for the Cypriot, and he’ll certainly have a good opportunity if he plays just as well in this match.
Perhaps the biggest key for both men is consistency. There is no doubt that Verdasco and Baghdatis are talented players, but both can be erratic; the player who is the most consistent in this match could have a big advantage. Verdasco is probably the stronger clay court player of the two, and should try to build on this. The Spaniard should look to serve well and must try to attack the Cypriot’s game as much as possible. Verdasco must be careful, however, to not make too many unforced errors; he rarely wins when that is the case. Serving may be key for Baghdatis, though he served well in his opener and will be looking to be just as effective against Verdasco. The 7th seed should also look to try and attack the Spaniard’s game as much as possible, and could look to try and get Verdasco moving around court.
Baghdatis has won both previous meetings between the two, including a straight sets win in Tokyo last season. The Cypriot played extremely well in the first round and has been solid all year, and should be able to win this, though Verdasco may not make it easy.
Prediction: Baghdatis in 3
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