Rolex Shanghai Masters Tennis Predictions & Betting Tips
The 13th Rolex Shanghai Masters Tennis Tournament takes place on Monday, September 30th, running until…
The clay court season moves on to Barcelona following an upset of sorts in Monte Carlo with Rafael Nadal falling at the semi-final stage and Fabio Fognini clinching the title. It promises to be a fascinating week in the Catalan capital as the French Open preparations step up. Here are our top Barcelona Open betting tips.
The Barcelona Open has been an integral part of the ATP Tour since 1953 and is the only ATP 500 Series event to be held in Spain. The event was originally part of the World Grand Prix Circuit and has a rich history within the European Clay Court season. The fact the event is only a 500 series isn’t a deterrent for the biggest names in the game as once again in 2019 a stellar field has been assembled.
The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is a 48 player draw with the top 16 seeds in the draw receiving byes to the second round.
The event has always been held at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona – one of the most prestigious clubs in the city. In 2017, the centre court was renamed ‘Pista Rafa Nadal’ in homage to the Mallorcan great.
Monday 22nd April 2019 – Sunday 29th April 2019.
The Barcelona Open, like many of the events during the European clay court swing, is synonymous with Rafael Nadal who possesses one of the all-time records in any sport. He has 11 titles to his name in Barcelona, a feat he has also achieved at Roland Garros and in Monte Carlo. Swedish great Mats Wilander is a distant second behind Nadal with 3 wins to his name whilst Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster, Kei Nishikori and Ivan Lendl have all picked up the historic trophy on two occasions each.
The tennis world came to a standstill last week following Fabio Fognini’s dismantling of Rafael Nadal in the Monte Carlo semi-finals and both men will be looking to hit the heights again this week. Dominic Thiem tends to play his best stuff on clay whilst Stefanos Tsitsipas enjoyed his big breakthrough at this event last season. Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev will be looking to find form with the French Open looming and former winner Kei Nishikori could also feature heavily this week.