Juan Martin Del Potro takes on Fernando Gonzalez for a spot in the quarters

Paris, France – After sending off Marat Safin in the second round, ending a two-match losing streak, Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 US Open Champion, turns his sights to Chilean Fernando Gonzalez in the last 16. The No.5 seed Del Potro is looking to land the last spot up for grabs in the quarters. He beat Gonzalez during the summer hard court swing en route to the Legg Mason title, giving him the 1-0 edge over the Chilean this term. Gonzalez, however, stands in good stead as he has the all-time edge over Del Potro. He is not without a shot in this match.

Tennis Betting Line:

Match Time: 03:30 PM Eastern Time Thursday November 12, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: It will be the fifth career meeting between Juan Martin Del Potro and Fernando Gonzalez when they go toe-to-toe Thursday night. Del Potro has the more recent victory over Gonzalez; but the Chilean has the 3:1 lifetime edge, comprised of two victories in 2006 and a victory at the Aussie Open in 2007, when he himself sailed to a runner-up finish in Melbourne (l. to Federer).

Aside from beating Safin in the Paris Masters second round, Del Potro has done nothing since winning the US Open title. Not unless you count crashing in the first round of Tokyo and Shanghai (to unheralded players, mind), a something. Dare I say it: Del Poop has been a bit disappointing? Can’t blame people for thinking he might have crashed to Safin. Didn’t he need three sets to beat Safin?

Gonzalez enters the last 16 after dismissing John Isner. Gonzalez lost to Isner last week in Basel and needed to correct the balance between them. And didn’t he go and just do that. Convincingly mind as he fended off Isner in straight sets.

Gonzalez has had a solid season and more importantly, he has had an encouraging fall swing. He has certainly done a lot better in recent months than Del Potro (post US Open). So much so, that I believe he might have a better shot to advance into the semis than Del Poop.

Why? Because the Tandil giant is questionable on form. He just doesn’t seem to be at 100%. Of course, predications cannot be based on current form alone. There are other tangibles and intangibles to consider. Here are a few random thoughts: losing to Gonzalez might not be as discomfiting to Del Potro as some might suggest. He is after all qualified for London and methinks he wants to have a successful debut at the prestigious Tour ending championships. No need to exert too much in Paris. And well there is the upcoming 2010 season to consider. Del Potro might want to take it easy right now and prep up for the next year. Now I am not saying that Del Poop is going to tank this match. But if Gonzo comes out of the blocks firing, painting lines off of both wings, Del Poop might start to think big picture.

Tennis Free Picks: Gonzalez in straight sets