2021 Madrid Open First Round – Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire taking place? Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
When is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire on and what time does it start? Tuesday 4th May, 2021 – Not before 12:40 (UK)
What surface is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Benoit Paire in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number 31 Nikoloz Basilashvili won his second ATP title of the year by beating Jan-Lennard Struff in the Munich Open final on Sunday. The Georgian has three titles on clay now but is somewhat of a suspect player mentally and he could suffer the common curse of losing in the first round after a title win. However, the draw has been kind in Madrid as Benoit Paire meets Basilashvili for a fifth time leading their head-to-head 3-1 and yet starts the underdog due to his horrendous form. The Frenchman’s attitude has been called into question all season long and a 1-10 record for 2021 is one of the worst on tour, almost definitely the worst inside the top 100. A seven-match losing streak suggests Paire needs some time away from the game but Basilashvili has enough to come through what could be a scrappy first round match here. Take the 29-year-old to win outright given his need to recalibrate after Munich.
