Struff vs. Basilashvili: Preview and betting tips

The clay part of the tennis season is in full swing. Struff and the up-and-coming Basilashvili will play for the title in Munich. Will the Georgian confirm his role as the favourite or will Struff live to see his dream title at the age of 31? The final starts at 13:30.

The home player is having a mediocre season. So far, he hasn’t been great. 11-9 record is not great. But he changed that in Munich. He took advantage of a lighter draw and after scalps from Martin, Koepfer and Krajinovic he advanced to the semifinals.

He has lost 7 straight ATP tournaments in the semifinals. He managed to break it on his 8th attempt, when he unexpectedly eliminated the upstart Ivashka. Ivashka had surprisingly knocked out Zverev the round before and had also embarrassed Nadal a few weeks before.

Struff surprisingly managed to handle the Belarusian, beating him easily 6-4 and 6-1 to advance to the first final of his career. Basilashvili also had a difficult time. In the last year he has not been doing well at all, he has also had personal problems.

He also had a rather embarrassing start to this season. At the tournament in Doha he finally managed to break it. He beat Federer, Fritz, Bautista and unexpectedly won the title. 11 wins from the last 16 matches suggest he’s getting back to his ideal form.

He entered the tournament in Munich as the top five seed and clearly confirmed his position. He won all his matches without losing a set and will play for his fifth career title.

In the semi-final he even unexpectedly knocked out the talented Ruud and clearly defeated him 6-1, 6-2. The best performance of the season and confirmation of his growing form. Basilashvili will go into today’s final as the favourite and has a great chance to win another title.

What to bet on?

Basilashvili is on a roll and should prove it. He is playing great, beating strong players and should use his experience in the final matches. He has a solid 4-2 record in title fights. He’s won the last four finals. The Georgian even beat Struff a few weeks ago. The favourite should use his experience, good form and win another title.