Trap in troubled waters

Looks like Kokki is pulling that trick on us again! We’ll have to watch out this time...

Well, we got played like rookies with Kokki’s comments before his match against Korda. Sure, he was on the verge of retiring, but at the same time, it was logical he’d give everything here at home. This tournament is more important than the Australian Open for him. And now, against Vacherot, it’s the same thing: he’s going to give it his all. He knows that after this tournament, his career will probably be over. That shows how important this event is for him. I had taken a bit of Vacherot at 1.35, telling myself that the Monegasque is much less the type to get overwhelmed than Korda. He serves well, he grinds from the baseline, and he loves passing shots. Honestly, on paper, there are quite a few things suggesting he has the game to beat an injured Kokki. Plus, he played much better against Kecmanovic. So for me, there aren’t many scenarios here: either Val takes control, it gets very complicated for Kokki, and we get a 7/6 6/1 or even a retirement. Or the painkillers work and carry Kokki with the help of the crowd, and we get a crazy match. Val is mentally strong. Beating his cousin in a Masters 1000 final when you’re ranked 200 in the world, that takes something. On the other hand, I’m gutted because his odds have gone up a lot. Maybe an opportunity for you?