tennis | Friday, July 1, 2022 8:22 AM (Revised at: Friday, July 1, 2022 1:53 PM)

Friday's ATP Tennis Best Bet: Wimbledon, July 1st

Jon Reid

ATP Wimbledon BEST BET: GOFFIN vs HUMBERT

Friday, July 1st, 13:20 (UK Time)

The third round gets underway on Friday and with both draws being ravaged by injuries, COVID cases and upsets, both David Goffin and Ugo Humbert have realistic chances at reaching the semifinal of the year’s third slam.

While Humbert hasn’t had the best year (to put it mildly), he’s managed to gut out a few wins and reach the third round at The Championships.

Goffin had a similarly poor start to his year as it appeared he may never reach his former form after returning from injury, but something clicked during the clay season and he’s looked much better the last few months on tour.

I’m siding with the veteran to take this one, as his game is far more well-rounded and less error-prone and his return game is more developed.

That’s not to say break opportunities may still be rare against the strong southpaw service of the Frenchman, Goffin’s ability to get the racquet to the ball early and put balls in play does mean he should find some opportunities.

His backhand is also solid from the baseline, which is important when playing a lefty whose power game will be hitting into that wing more often than not.

Finally, with the little net clearance Humbert plays with, he does commit his fair share of unforced errors. It only takes one unforced error and one point won against his second serve for Goffin to apply some pressure against him.

It’s a big reason for the struggles we’ve seen Humbert have this year. Even against two clay-court-oriented players in Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Casper Ruud, the 24-year-old had to come back from two sets to one down and a set down, respectively.

Against a more experienced and accomplished grass courter, who can flatten out his groundstrokes with more ease and still play that consistent brand of tennis against an erratic Humbert, I’m siding with the Belgian.