Get back into the swing of things

The German can’t possibly play any worse, right?

The German came close to defeat in his first match. A poor-quality performance. With a Chilean who played his part very well. It was the German’s first match on clay this season. In an uncomfortable match. Because he’s trying to take the initiative, to play proactive tennis. Going forward much more, coming to the net. Hitting a bit more with his forehand and just as much with his backhand. In slow conditions for his first match and against an excellent counterpuncher. It wasn’t easy. I want to congratulate him for sticking to this strategy even at the risk of losing. Because he knows it will pay off in the long term. It’s a strategy he committed to. And that’s excellent news for the German’s long-term performances. Which also makes me think he won’t necessarily play as badly in his next match. Especially since I think the match-up will be much more comfortable for him. With a Belgian who’s in great form. And who prefers to create play, be aggressive, move forward. And that will be an advantage for the German. In fact, without the Belgian’s current form, my instinct would have been that it was going to be mission impossible for the Belgian. Because he tends to force things a bit when too many balls come back. And to lose clarity. He’s not the kind of player who’s going to change strategies much or vary his game. Instead, he tries to play his own game better. Maybe by hitting a bit harder as well. And that’s exactly what the German likes, what he’s loved his whole career. Now, as I said, the Belgian is in form. I think the training and collaboration with Jannik Sinner are doing him a world of good. I found his attitude perfect in his match against the Russian. And he has the weapons to play well in slow clay conditions. Because he has a forehand that naturally generates power. Just like his serve. And he maintains a high level of topspin. Which allows him to keep the ball in the court. In short, a favourable match-up for the German this time. With a German who can start playing well again fairly quickly in this match. But a Belgian in form and, if the match isn’t scheduled as the last one of the day, and is played in sunny conditions with a slightly livelier bounce, I think we could look for an over-games bet if the odds are a bit too asymmetric.