Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s recent struggles have cast doubt on his status as the favorite against Roman Safiullin at the National Bank Open in Montreal. The Spaniard has endured a challenging few months, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form.
Davidovich Fokina’s promising start in Atlanta, where he defeated Arthur Cazaux and Reilly Opelka, has been overshadowed by subsequent losses. His most recent setback, a disappointing defeat to Flavio Cobolli in Washington D.C., raised concerns about his physical and mental state.
Despite his struggles, Davidovich Fokina remains a formidable opponent when at his best. However, his shaky serve and tendency to commit unforced errors make him vulnerable against aggressive players like Safiullin.
Safiullin, on the other hand, has shown impressive form in recent tournaments. His strong performance at the Olympics, where he defeated established clay-court players, suggests that he is well-suited to hard courts, his preferred surface.
While Davidovich Fokina’s recent record may be concerning, Safiullin’s consistency and current form make him the more reliable choice. The Russian’s aggressive style and confidence should give him an edge in this matchup.
Given Davidovich Fokina’s current struggles, the odds of +110 for Safiullin to win are highly enticing. The Russian’s superior form and suitability to hard courts make him the more likely victor in this encounter.
