Analysis for Nieminen-Vassallo Arguello (ATP French Open)

Head-to-head record 0:0

Don´t understand why Nieminen is such a big favourite here. He is coming off some nightmare streak and even if he recovered well against M.Lopez in the first round here, we don´t think he is back at his best. He began the season in excellent shape but his current form isn’t optimal. He has been struggling lately and noted some devastating losses. His self-confidence must be at zero point. He is a versatile player with relatively week serve but solid hits from both sides and his movement and backcourt game are also above average. However, we are not sure about his mental condition and bearing in mind that he is going to play pure claycourter, it could be really tough for him today. Vassallo is a typical clay court player who has done pretty well here in past. He is a defensive baseliner who likes the long rallies from the baseline. He is a big fighter and even if his latest results were poor though, we believe in his dirt abilities and fighting spirit. Usually, he frustrates his opponents so much that the opponent might actually try to change his game by either coming to the net in which case he can just execute passing shots down the lines. It is going to be their first meeting but we see Vassallo more than competitive and anything above 2.5 is worth taking for us.