ATP Basel: Gonzalez and Cilic begin their campaign

Basel, Switzerland – The No.3 seed Fernando Gonzalez and No.4 seed Marin Cilic begin their Basel campaign on Wednesday when they open their bids against big-serving American John Isner and Germany’s Philipp Petzschner, respectively.

Tennis Betting Line: Fernando Gonzalez -300 John Isner +200

Match Time:08:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday November 4, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: It will be the first-career meeting between Chilean Fernando Gonzalez and American John Isner when they go head-to-head in the first round on Wednesday. World No.11 Fernando Gonzalez is as you might expect favoured over world No.40 Isner to go into the second round. Gonzalez has had a good season on a 38-14 mark with one title. In addition, he is in contention for one of the last two remaining spots at the World Tour Finals in London. Recent activity includes a quarterfinal finish at the US Open, semis in Kuala Lumpur and back-to-back R16 finishes in Beijing and Shanghai.

Isner has had a standout year by his standards, namely reaching the last 16 at the US Open and taking out Andy Roddick along the way. There has been a troubling development since then however as Isner is currently on a three-match losing streak after crashing out of Tokyo, Shanghai and Vienna in the opening round.

Gonzalez not only has current form going for him but he has experience as well as the added incentive to qualify for London. As such, Gonzalez is the smart play to win outright.

Tennis Free Picks: Gonzalez in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Philipp Petzschner +300 Marin Cilic -500

Match Time:08:00 A.M. Eastern Time Wednesday November 4, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: It will be the second career encounter between No.13 Marin Cilic and No.76 Philipp Petzschner when they go head-to-head in the opening round at Basel. Cilic owns the slim 1-0 edge after beating Petzschner in Munich last year 6-4, 7-6(7). Though their only previous encounter was a tight affair, after all the significant strides Cilic made this season, winning two titles and breaking into the top 20, he should be able to dismiss Petzschner a little more efficiently this time.

In the last few months, Cilic has picked up serious momentum – he reached the US Open quarters and finished runner-up in Beijing and Vienna. His only hiccup was a first round exit in Shanghai. Given his current form, Cilic is not only favoured to win this match but to open a serious bid for the title. Getting his campaign off to a convincing start is par for the course. Petzschner is struggling this season, evinced by his 15-23 mark and recently, he slipped in the rankings. There is nothing tangible to suggest he would mastermind the upset.

Tennis Free Picks: Cilic in straight sets