Analysis for Schukin-Ginepri (ATP Barcelona)

Head-to-head record 0:0

American Robbie Ginepri is everything but not a clay court player. Actually is one of the worst clay courters among the top players according to the results he has achieved on dirt. He has never been successful on European clay but he blew up on American green clay this year as well. In fact, it doesn´t really matter which player he is going to play, there is "always" value against him. Obviously, he is much better hard court player than his opponent. Many praised his composure during matches. Additionally he is known to back up his huge serves with approaches to the net, though he does not strictly serve and volley. Ginepri lost in the second round of the challenger tournament in Waikoloa, Hawaii to Vincent Spadea. At the tournament in Delray Beach, Ginepri lost in the semifinals to James Blake. At the SAP Open in San Jose, he defeated Blake in the quarterfinals but lost in the semifinals to Radek Stepanek. At the Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas, Ginepri reached the semifinals for the third consecutive tournament. Ginepri defeated Xavier Malisse in the first round, Marcos Baghdatis in the second round, and Ernests Gulbis in the quarterfinals before falling to Kevin Anderson. At the Tennis Masters Series Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California, Ginepri lost in the second round to Carlos Moya. However, these solid results were overshadowed by his latest clay court appearances - he lost to Sela and Cuevas on clay and we don´t think he can do any better in Europe. He will play lucky looser Schukin who likes that clay and should be able to take the advantage of the surface today. He is a big favourite in our eyes.