CTL MATCH PREDICTION: Close call, but home team Marshalls likely to eke a narrow win

GROUP A TABLE toppers Raipur Rangers will take on hosts Punjab Marshalls in the fifth match of the Champions Tennis League (CTL) at the CLTA, Tennis Stadium in Chandigarh, today. 

Both teams have started off their CTL campaign with a win against the Mumbai Tennis Masters and will be keen on maintaining their winning ways. The Rangers might have surprised the Masters in Mumbai, but beating a formidable Punjab team in their own backyard will be no easy task. 

While the home team will continue to rely on the experience of Marcos Baghdatis and Saketh Myneni to ride their momentum, the visitors will be hoping for another spirited performance from Bautista Agut and Alize Cornet. 

As we have seen in the previous season, the Punjab fans have the tendency to get very vocal and will be cheering the Marshalls all the way. How Raipur manages to silence the crowd with their aggression could well determine the outcome of this contest. TFG analyses the game and picks the winner of the Marshalls V Rangers match.

LEGENDS

Both captains Greg Rusedski and Thomas Musters have lost their previous legends set and will be desperate to get a win under their belt. That said, the Brit exuded some old-school serve and volley a few nights ago and could very well stick to his tried and tested method. On the other side of the net, Muster will once again be comfortable at the baseline and the contrasting styles of play will keep the fans engaged. As far as the outcome of this set goes, Punjab’s Rusedski might have enough variety and legs to get the home team on board. 

Winner: Rusedski 

WOMEN’S SINGLES 

Raipur’s Cornet displayed some gutsy tennis to overcome the challenge of Flavia Pennetta in Mumbai and would be brimming with confidence for tonight’s clash. Meanwhile, Punjab’s Elina Svitolina is yet to register her first win in the singles. This contest will provide some exciting, long rallies as both women will try to out-hit the other from the back court. The Ukrainian might be ranked higher than the French lady, but Cornet’s confidence and experience should get the better off Svitolina. 

Winner: Cornet 

MIXED DOUBLES 

Both teams Baghdatis/Svitolina and Agut/Cornet have beaten the pairing of Giraldo/Pennetta and there is little to choose between the two pairs. However, Marshall’s Baghdatis is perhaps the most accomplished doubles player in this clash and will dictate the pace. He understands the format well and continues to draw upon all his experience of playing in the CTL. Cornet, too, is an experienced campaigner, but tonight might not be her day in this contest. 

Winners: Baghdatis/Svitolina 

MEN’S DOUBLES 

This set could turn out to be the most entertaining and gripping set for the evening. Punjab’s Baghdatis/Saketh Myneni have been enjoying their partnership and should be a confident pair. On the other hand, Agut/Ramkumar Ramanathan too, have shown signs of producing some quality tennis. Expect some huge serving from the Indian Davis Cuppers and their contribution might make all the difference for their respective teams. A potential down to the wire, thriller on the cards. 

Baghdatis/Myneni 

MEN’S SINGLES 

If you want to see some quality, intense hitting on a tennis court, then this match has all the ingredients of being one. As seen in the previous rounds, the men’s singles provides arguably the most grueling, demanding and physical encounters. Expect Baghdatis and Agut to indulge in some heavy exchanges. The Spaniard is ranked quite a few places above the Cypriot and that might help Agut keep his nose in front. A tie-breaker or may be, a super-over time cannot be ruled out. 

Winner: Agut 

On paper, both teams look evenly balanced with depth and variety. Baghdatis and Agut might be the guiding forces for their respective teams, but any vital contribution from the ladies and Indian nationals could make a significant difference to the scoreboard. Too close to call here but with a bit of home support and confidence, the Marshalls should sneak ahead and replace the Rangers as the table toppers.