Bernard Tomic vs. Brian Baker Prediction and Preview – 2016 French Open First Round

No. 22 Bernard Tomic hasn’t had much success at Roland Garros in the past, but that won’t stop him from dreaming of big things in the 2016 French Open. His mission begins later today against a pesky American in the form of Brian Baker. Read on for a breakdown of this matchup.

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Where: Stade Roland Garros – Paris, France

When: Tuesday, May 24, 2016, 5:00 AM ET

Line: Bernard Tomic (-260) vs. Brian Baker (+200) – view all 2016 French Open Men’s Singles lines

Betting on Bernard Tomic

The clay court is certainly not Tomic’s stomping ground, as what his 16-30 ATP world tour and Grand Slam record on that surface in his career suggests. That considered, Tomic remains a favorite in his first-round clash with Baker.

Tomic has played the American just once before, earning a 6-4 6-3 victory way back in the 2012 Cincinnati Masters. That’s a long time ago and Tomic may be facing an improved Baker this time around.

Tomic, however, hopes that Baker will remain befuddled by his service game. In Cincinnati, Tomic recorded seven aces and had a 79 percent first serve points won. Tomic is 17th in the ATP overall with 9.1 aces per match.

Tomic had a favorable draw, one that prevents him from facing a top 10 player until at least the fourth round so look for him to take advantage of this mini-luck from the get-go.

Betting on Brian Baker

While Baker is the clear underdog in this matchup, one shouldn’t underestimate the American’s resilience. Remember, Baker once had to claw back into the pro tennis circuit following years of hiatus die to numerous injuries. All things considered, a first-round matchup against a world no. 22 shouldn’t deter Baker.

At 31, Baker has the experience and poise of a veteran and those qualities should come useful when he goes up against his higher-seeded opponent in Tomic. Baker once had an inspiring Grand Slam run back in the 2012 Wimbledon, wherein he made it to the fourth round.

Baker could capitalize also on Tomic’s apparent clay court struggles.  Unlike Tomic, Baker has a winning 5-3 career record on the surface, albeit with minimal sample size.

Writer’s Prediction

Baker (+200) upsets Tomic in five sets.

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