My pet peeve

Vallejo often surprises me, and makes me lose money. I’m aware that he plays at a very good level on hard, but at the same time, he goes missing in some matches. He beats a Faria thanks to long rallies and being clutch, after having easily taken out a Taro Daniel who was in good form. One day of rest, and now seeing him up against a big challenge. Perfect conditions to let him show his best tennis?

Yes, I think the conditions are there for him to play at a very high level, better than usual, because he’s in rhythm and has nothing to lose. He’s going to take his chances and play aggressively. Maybe even overplay, because Jodar is so solid on the baseline.

But I have his recent match against Paul in mind, even if the American is not yet at his best. I find that his maximum level is quite high and that, for at least one set, he’s going to play like steel. After that, I really fear that, like against Monfils, his game and his tennis IQ will be far too limited against Jodar...