The Overrule: ATP Hamburg & WTA Portoroz

By Sports Magician

ATP HAMBURG

Spanish domination of clay court action doesn't seem to have been extended to this year's Hamburg event but Juan Carlos Ferrero can ensure a Spanish success at the end of the week. Nicolas Almagro and Albert Montanes - both tour winners last week - have already been sent packing and Ferrero is the only Spaniard left in the draw. Ferrero faces Florian Mayer in the last eight, whom he has a 4-0 record against. The former King of Clay would then meet either Denis Istomin or Andrey Golubev. Istomin ended Almagro’s Hamburg challenge having blown 5 consecutive match points in the second set tie-break. Golubev disposed of Nikolay Davydenko in straight sets, which was not all that surprising given the Russian’s lack of match play on clay since returning from injury.

A potential final could see Ferrero face Jurgen Melzer or Thomaz Bellucci, both left-handers who on their day can play great tennis. Ferrero’s consistency and experience under pressure can pay dividends as the week comes to a close.

PICK: 3*JUAN CARLOS FERRERO WIN HAMBURG @ 3.5 (STAN JAMES)


WTA PORTOROZ

Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire against Anastasia Yamikova yesterday and it’s another Anastasia who should be able to take full advantage of her absence to claim her second career title. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is a name you will have seen mentioned on the Overrule at various times over the course of the past year as a player with a great future ahead of her. Pavlyuchenkova turned 19 earlier this month and can give herself a belated birthday present by capturing the title in Slovenia. A semi-final match with Jankovic was on the cards but now that possibility has ended the Russian will really fancy her chances of cleaning up this weak field.

PICK: 4*ANASTASIA PAVLYUCHENKOVA WIN PORTOROZ @ 2.08 (BETFAIR)

Sports Magician