Roger is still the overwhelming favorite to win the 2012 ATP in Basel. He was “blessed” by good news (Murray not playing), but he didn’t have the best possible draw.
1ST HALF – Federer
Roger will have to face a couple of unpredictable players (alias not solid players that can reach high peaks especially in indoor tournaments). This is the prediction
1st Round – Chardy
This year Chardy has already beaten in straight sets Murray (Cincinnati) and Tsonga (Toronto). This is the first time they play each other.
2nd round – Bellucci
Unpredictable player. H2H 1-0 for Roger (3-6, 6-3, 6-4 this year in Indian Wells). Bellucci maybe tired as he will play today the final in Moscow against Seppi.
Quarters
Paire/Seppi. Seppi would be tired (he has to play today the finals in Moscow). Paire has an incredible potential, but he is not very solid. He can still become ugly.
Semifinals – Wawrinka/Benetteau
Wawrinka would do everything to avenge his loss in Shanghai against Roger. Benetteau had a very good season and he is really tricky on fast courts (he lost to Roger this year in Wimbledon when he was 2 sets up).
Talking about the semifinals, there is a chance that Federer will play… “baby Federer” (alias Dimitrov). That would be fantastic.
2ND HALF – Del Potro
As Murray forfeited, Delpo is the second seed. Juan Martin may be quite tired as he is playing today the final in Vienna.
Predictions
1st round – Falla
Easy for Delpo as Falla is not an indoor specialist.. at all. H2H 2-1 for Delpo
2nd round – Baker
Baker is dangerous, but Delpo is definately stronger. They have never played each other
Quarters – Mayer
Tricky customer, H2H is 3-2 for Delpo that was bagelled a coupled of times from the German
Semifinals – Gasquet
Delpo has a good edge here. H2H 4-1 for Delpo that won the last 4 matches.
