You won’t see me supporting 35 year old Sergiy Stakhovsky a great deal across the course of 2021, as he isn’t quite the player we remember from the peak of his powers, notably on the grass.
Whilst it wasn’t the best performance from Kubler in round 1, more importantly he was able to get the job done in 3 sets, 7-5 2-6 6-4. There may have been an element of adjusting to the conditions, as Kubler did look solid during the mid-year UTR series in which he participated on hardcourt. Getting his body right has been the biggest issue for Kubler, as many may remember him rolling his ankle when at the peak of his form at the US Open a couple of years ago. He is solid off both wings which is a pre-requisite for opposing Stakhovsky and his style of play, and will have adjusted to the speed of the courts off his first round match.
Whilst Stakhovsky was able to gain a victory over the claycourter Bernada Zapata Miralles, his overall numbers across his recent outdoor hardcourt exploits are on the concerning side. At this stage of his career it is expected that a decline would be occurring, and there are particular match-up styles that are going to cause him more concern than others. This one today will be tough.
I have the game handicap at -4.5 games, so to have Kubler at -3 games, and $1.90+, that to me is worth a 1.5 unit selection.
Suggested Bet
1.5 units Kubler -3 games vs Stakhovsky at $1.93 (-108) at Topsport