Apologies for the delay, the site is a little slow today.
Whilst I don’t generally like to get involved in 4.5 game handicaps in the men’s game, this looks to be a decent spot to support Mackenzie McDonald, who isn’t using his protected ranking this week. Every opportunity at Challenger and ATP level is important for McDonald when not using his protected ranking, as he attempts to work his way towards the Top 100 again after injury issues. We saw what McDonald was capable of in reaching the 4th round of the Australian Open, and the American has backed up and looked very good early this week.
Frederico Ferreira Silva has looked solid this week without being spectacular, and for mine has a somewhat limited ceiling on the hardcourt. His serve and shots just don’t have the required penetration to be more of a threat on the hardcourt. and against a far more capable opponent today in McDonald I don’t see him having a match for the consistency of the American.
McDonald should find himself with semi-regular opportunities to break in this one on recent form and serve stats from both, as well as looking at this style match-up. It is enough for me to jump in at the game handicap I don’t like to usually take for 1 unit.
Suggested Bet
1 unit McDonald -4.5 games vs Silva at $1.90 at Bet365 (would play to $1.83)
Note: -4 games also available at Topsport