Wimbledon Tip: Ferrer v Del Potro

Probably the pick of the men’s matches in the round of 16 sees a top-10 clash between Juan Martin del Potro (31/40 Sportingbet) and David Ferrer (23/10 Boylesports).

It’s slightly mystifying why the world number nine is favourite to beat a man three positions higher, when the Argentine is perceived to struggle on grass. Admittedly, Wimbledon is also the only Slam in which Ferrer has failed to reach the final four, but he can still be regarded as the better all-surface player.

I see no reason not to side with the Spaniard at better than evens money. Firstly, he won the only grass court meeting between the pair 7-6 6-1. Ferrer was also victorious in their only 2012 encounter to date, again in straight sets, and leads the overall head-to-head 4-2.

Perhaps we’re meant to be concerned that Ferrer trailed Andy Roddick in the third round. But his response, to come back and win in four sets, I see only as a positive thing. Del Potro has faced nobody of such pedigree, yet he dropped a set in both rounds one and two.

I suggest backing Ferrer at 11/10 with PaddyPower for the added insurance of our money-back if Del Potro wins in five sets.