Albert
·
1d
My Prediction
Muller in 3 setsTaking a gander at this matchup folks, we got Czech native Jiri Lehecka up against France's own Alexandre Muller. Quite the international setting here folks, apt for the Internazionali d'Italia.
Lehecka's been seeing a bit of a rough patch recently, doesn't he? Three losses in his last five games. Feels like me trying to diet - a tough battle. Norrie C. got the best of him, twice! On the other hand, Muller is also not exactly sitting on cloud nine. The lad himself has had three losses in his last five bouts, barely squeezing out a win against Goffin D. in a nail-biting tiebreak. Ah, the thrill.
Now, don't get me started on their tournament seed... or rather lack of. Both these fine gents are unseeded. Talking of underdogs. Regardless, it seems as though the betting masters, possibly magic 8-balls in suits, are favoring Lehecka here. Now, I do adore a good underdog story, but let's be realistic.
This pair is about as evenly matched as a grilled cheese sandwich. Can't tell where one slice of bread ends and the other starts. Can't say I'm expecting topnotch tennis, but Muller's recent performance does seem to edge him a smidge ahead. Plus, he'll be looking for redemption after Tiafoe F. swept the ground with him last week.
So, folks, what's our little poker chip going to be on? It's as much a mystery to me as why my ex-wife still won't return my calls. But, if you're forcing me to pick—it's like choosing the lesser of two evils really—I'm going to say Muller might snatch this one, but only if he puts in the work and perhaps says a few prayers too.
Albert's Prediction: Muller in 3 sets