Unseeded Frenchmen Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Adrian Mannarino will be trying to stay alive in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and earn quarterfinal berths on Thursday. They are set for respective showdowns against David Goffin and Fernando Verdasco.
(5) David Goffin vs. Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Goffin and Herbert will have to set aside their friendship when they go head-to-head for the third time in their careers during second-round action at the Libema Open on Thursday. Both of their previous encounters have gone Goffin’s way; 6-1, 6-3 on the indoor hard courts of Rotterdam in 2017 and 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(5) last summer in Washington, D.C.
The 28-year-old Belgian is no longer at his peak following a couple of injury-plagued seasons, to the extent that he is a disappointing 12-13 in 2019 and in danger of missing out on Wimbledon seeding at No. 33 in the world. Herbert is not far behind at No. 45, enjoying one of his best-ever singles campaigns. The 28-year-old Frenchman is a stellar 10-5 in his last 15 matches following his 6-4, 7-5 defeat of Matthew Ebden in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch first round. This should be competitive, but Goffin’s returning and defense have always gotten the best of Herbert at the net and more of the same is likely to transpire.
Pick: Goffin in 2
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Adrian Mannarino vs. (4) Fernando Verdasco
Mannarino has never won an ATP title, but a 250-point on grass is always one of his best opportunities. His 0-6 lifetime record in ATP finals includes runner-up finishes in Antalya in each of the past two seasons. Although the 44th-ranked Frenchman has slumped throughout much of his 2019 campaign, he got off to a fine start in ‘s-Hertogenbosch by trouncing Dutch wild card Thiemo De Bakker 6-2, 6-1.
Up next for Mannarino is a third career contest against Verdasco, who leads their head-to-head series 2-1. Unsurprisingly, Mannarino took their lone grass-court encounter (2-6, 7-5, 6-2 at the 2017 Antalya event) after Verdasco won twice on hard courts (in 2009 and 2010). The Spaniard is still going relatively strong at 35 years old, with a ranking of 34th and a 15-12 record in 2019. Unfortunately for Verdasco, the surface favors his opponent and this is his first grass-court match of the season on the heels of a first-round bye.
Pick: Mannarino in 2
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WYG?
Goffin in 2; Vco in 3.
This is more like green clay so ill go with Goffin and Verdy in three.
Who has been in better form lately , though? Id say Verdy and PHH
Goffin in 2
Goffin is foaled in right now and for good reason
Verdasco in 3
Verdasco will want revenge and was up 2-0 against Murray at Wimbledon. You could make a case for Mannarino being the better grass court player past few years but I think when Verdasco is motivated he might have a slight edge.
‘Goffin is dialed in’
Spot on! Well done