Rotterdam preview and picks: Del Potro vs. Gulbis, Gasquet vs. Baghdatis

(2) Juan Martin Del Potro vs. (Q) Ernests Gulbis

Gulbis and Del Potro will be squaring off for the fifth time in their careers when they do battle in round two of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament on Thursday. Del Potro leads the head-to-head series 3-1, including 2-1 at the ATP main-draw level and he also won a Cincinnati qualifying match back in 2007. Gulbis, however, dominated their most recent encounter 6-2, 6-4 two years ago en route to the Los Angeles title.

Of course, Gulbis has put on another disappearing act ever since that event (aside from a brief resurfacing to upset Tomas Berdych last summer at Wimbledon). Del Potro, on the other hand, is getting back in gear after a whole host of injuries. The Latvian did well to qualify for the main draw and clobber Robin Haase on Tuesday, but the second-ranked Argentine looked impressive in a routine win over Gael Monfils. Gulbis can still beat just about anyone on any give day, but he can never be counted on–especially not against an opponent like Del Potro.

Gulbis interview after beating Haase:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFqBfa2oPSo]

Pick: Del Potro in 2

(4) Richard Gasquet vs. Marcos Baghdatis

Gasquet may have an edge in current form heading into this matchup–heck, he has an edge in current form over just about everyone in the sport–but Baghdatis cannot be discounted. The Cypriot has not done anything particularly of note this season, but he is playing some of the most consistent tennis of his career. Baghdatis improved to 7-3 for the year after getting past an in-form Benoit Paire on Friday.

Furthermore, Gasquet is coming off a long week in Montpellier–where he captured his second ATP title of 2013 (previously triumphed in Doha). The 10th-ranked Frenchman is positively on fire (15-1 record for the season), but the downside is he has already battled through 16 matches in six weeks. At some point, the hot streak is going to hit a temporary speed-bump. Baghdatis would prefer the Rotterdam courts to be even faster, but the indoor setting will help is chances. It should also be noted that Baghdatis is 2-0 lifetime against Gasquet.

Gasquet interview after beating Viktor Troicki:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKRaHNk6nys&feature=youtu.be]

Pick: Baghdatis in 3