The Overrule: ATP Barcelona

By Sports Magician

Rafael Nadal is expected to take his place at the top of the draw in Barcelona this week after another successful trip to Monte Carlo. The Overrule backed Nadal with maximum confidence last week, but unfortunately, he is too short to back this week, although he should once again cruise to the title. Despite a good field, it is not as strong as Monte Carlo, and therefore it was natural that Nadal would be far shorter than he was during the first clay court Masters Series of the season. Instead we shall look to the opposite half of the draw and attempt to find the each-way value.

Juan Carlos Ferrero is a former winner and two time runner-up in Barcelona and despite having not won a match there since 2006 (he missed the event in 2008); the former King of Clay looks to be over priced. Ferrero has been rejuvenated this year and played particularly well during the South American clay court swing – winning in Argentina and Brazil, as well as being a runner-up in Mexico. Ferrero was beaten by Nadal in the last eight in Monte Carlo, and will be pleased to have avoided Nadal’s half of the draw in Barcelona.

A couple of first round encounters catch my eye as David Nalbandian meets Jurgen Melzer and Igor Andreev’s forehand comes up against Richard Gasquet’s backhand. Nalbandian and Melzer have never met on clay and the Argentine proved in Monte Carlo that his match sharpness has returned and he looked impressive for the majority of the week. Andreev leads Gasquet 4-3 in head to head meetings and they are split 1-1 on clay. Andreev failed to take his chances in a deciding set against Marin Cilic in Monte Carlo, while Gasquet looked devoid of fight as he was blown away by Tomas Berdych.

PICK: 0.5*(EACH-WAY) JUAN CARLOS FERRERO WIN BARCELONA (1/2 ODDS 1-2 PLACES) @ 19.00 (SKY BET)

PICK: 4*DAVID NALBANDIAN BEAT JURGEN MELZER @ 1.44 (BOYLESPORTS)

PICK: 3*IGOR ANDREEV BEAT RICHARD GASQUET @ 1.67 (WILLIAM HILL)

Sports Magician