Fognini aiming for second successive Grand Slam victory over Verdasco

Bet on Fernando Verdasco v Fabio Fognini live in-play at Bet365

One of the biggest shocks of this year’s Wimbledon was when Fabio Fognini beat Fernando Verdasco in the opening round.

Since then the Spaniard has been playing poor tennis and has lost five of his last nine matches, including a first round defeat in the recent Cincinnati Masters tournament. Given this form, it is difficult to recommend a bet on Verdasco, at odds of 1/6 with Totesport.

Fognini is ranked 85th in the world and can be backed at 11/2 with Victor Chandler to record another first round win over Verdasco in a Grand Slam. That may be beyond the Italian, although he will have opportunities, as his opponent has a tendency to make unforced errors on his forehand, which has been more and more prevalent in his game recently.

Most firms have set the match handicap at 6.5 games, but Boylesports offer 4/5 on Fognini, when given a 7.5 games headstart. That looks like a good bet, especially if the 23-year-old either takes a set or forces a tie-break.

Recommendation

Match Handicap (+7.5 Games) – Fabio Fognini (4/5, Boylesports)