Help
3/4/11 5:49 AM | Cheryl Murray
Australian Open semifinalist David Ferrer will take on top Belgian Xavier Malisse as Spain takes on Belgium in Charleroi.
David Ferrer is not a typical Spanish clay-courter. The world No. 6 has a good game for hard courts; he’s particularly dangerous off the ground and in his return game.
The bad news for Ferrer is that his serve is not going to hold up well on a quick indoor surface like the deco-turf one that the Belgians chose for this tie. The Spaniard’s serve is not a weapon at all, and with the speed of the courts, he could have difficulty finding his way into his opponent’s service games.
Xavier Malisse is well-suited to indoor courts. The Belgian is good at the net and he has a massive first serve that can do quite a bit of damage – even against a returner of Ferrer’s caliber.
Malisse will have the home-court advantage. Though the Belgian is ranked 51 in the world, he may actually have an opportunity to give Belgium a 1-0 lead in this tie.
Prediction – Despite the difficult conditions, Ferrer should find a way to win this; the Spaniard in 4 tough sets.
Find the latest tennis odds at Unibet.com
Tell a friend »
and Verdasco is rolling early.....
RickyDimon , 3/4/11 3:43 PM
Verdasco leads 2 sets to love - 64 63
nadline , 3/4/11 4:06 PM
Spain takes the first rubber - 64 63 61
Rafa on next.
nadline , 3/4/11 4:35 PM
It's starting to look like what we were exepcting: Rafa will be able to fly to IW tomorrow after the doubles.
chlorostoma , 3/4/11 4:42 PM
Well...that was quick, wasn't it?
cherylmurray , 3/4/11 5:11 PM
Rafa takes the first set 62.
nadline , 3/4/11 5:45 PM
Rafa 2 sets to love - 62 64
nadline , 3/4/11 6:26 PM
Rafa takes it - 62 64 62.
nadline , 3/4/11 7:06 PM
It is so great to see Rafa back on court...he played some great shots...he did make some unusual UEs but it was expected after not playing for so long...Vamos Rafa!!!
I am due to finish my work abroad and go home just in time to watch IW...can't wait to see him play again and win titles...love you Rafa!!! VAMOS!
natashao , 3/4/11 7:31 PM
Doesn't Rafa look a bit thinner?
Yes, he made some strange UEs. I think we can guage his form only at IW. If he reaches at least the semis in both IW and Miami, we can expect him to win at least two clay Masters and FO. Then unless Fed or Djoko wins the other slam and 1 Masters ( or 3 Masters) , the chances of either of them snatching Rafa's crown ( a very real danger) becomes less credible.
vij , 3/4/11 7:38 PM
Rafa would have benefited from this match because he needed a competitive match to get his rythm back before I/W, even though this is indoors, he'll be able to work out where his weaknesses are after such a long break.
nadline , 3/4/11 8:15 PM
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
Costa has decided not to put Ferrer against Malisse due to some neck pains. It will be Verdasco playing instead.
Shireling , 3/4/11 8:44 AM