In the wake of the excitement and drama at the Australian Open and the Davis Cup, the ATP Tour returns in Quito in what promises to be an intriguing week of tennis. Victor Estrella Burgos has upset the form book for the past 3 years in Ecuador – winning the event in each of the three previous seasons and the man from the Dominican Republic will fancy his chances of making it 4 on the spin here. There’s a strong 32 draw present in Ecuador with players opting to get some much needed clay court practice in before the European clay court swing.
Here’s a look at some of our favourites for the Ecuador Open title:
Pablo Carreno-Busta – 5/2 (Coral) – The steady Spaniard had a remarkable 2017, reaching his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open, breaking into the top 10 players in the world and came in as a late replacement at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 in London. Having just come off the back of a solid win with Spain in the Davis Cup, he will fancy his chances at number 1 seed here.
Gael Monfils – 11/2 (Coral) – The enigmatic Frenchman has struggled for consistency in recent years and has dropped to number 39 in the world rankings. Plagued by injury, he will be eager to get back in the winner’s circle in Quito and whilst he isn’t known for his clay court prowess – he is sure to be one of the firm favourites in Ecuador.
Albert Ramos-Vinolas – 7/1 (William Hill) – Another Spaniard in the draw, Ramos-Vinolas has been playing his best tennis in recent years – breaking in to the world’s top 20 in 2017. His clutch win for Spain over Great Britain will be fresh in the memory as he travels to Ecuador and his solid, attritional style of play could be useful in the altitude in Quito.
Paolo Lorenzi – 9/1 (Unibet) – The popular Italian was agonizingly beaten in the final in Quito last season by Victor Estrella Burgos and he always seems to play his best stuff on the dirt. Seeded 4 here and with a favourable draw – he could well be the one to watch in Ecuador this week.
The Ecuador Open looks very open this week and here are some of the outside picks:-
Carlos Berlocq – 16/1 (Betfair) – The Argentine has such variety to his game and loves the clay but has struggled for form in recent events.
Victor Estrella Burgos – 20/1 (Skybet) – The 37-year-old has a remarkable record in this tournament and is such a competitor at this level.
Ivo Karlovic – 20/1 (Boyle Sports) – The huge Croat is always a threat if he can get his serve firing and at the age of 38, has many years of experience to call upon.
Horacio Zeballos – 22/1 (Unibet) – The Argentine fell in the first round at the Australian Open but is back in the world’s top 50 and is always capable of producing magical tennis.
Top Pick – Paolo Lorenzi – 9/1 (Unibet)
Outside Pick – Victor Estrella Burgos – 20/1 (Ladbrokes)