Andy Murray vs Benoit Paire - Wimbledon Round of 16 preview and odds

Published on: 10/07/2017

Andy Murray vs Benoit Paire - Wimbledon Round of 16 preview and odds

July 10, 2017 12:30am - Wimbledon

Wimbledon Championships Mens Tennis

Defending champion Andy Murray has dropped just one set on his way to the Round of 16 (against old foe Fabio Fognini) and looks to be well on course for another quarter-final appearance. Standing in his way is Frenchman Benoit Paire who has never made it beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam in 26 attempts.

The World No.1 always seems to make life hard for himself at Grand Slam events, often getting drawn into long scrappy matches at crucial stages. For a moment, it seemed like a similar situation might unfold in the last round against Fognini but the Scot managed to bring the match back under control in the third set.

Any fears about the hip injury that Murray had been carrying in the build up to this tournament seem to have faded although he did refer to a lack of rhythm in his duel with the Italian.

Meanwhile, his 46th-ranked opponent will be competing in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for only the second time in his career on Monday afternoon. Five of Benoit Paire`s six previous win against top 10 opponents have come against Stan Wawrinka (three) or Kei Nishikori (two) with the other coming against Juan Martin Del Potro back in 2013. However, he has yet to beat a top 20 player on grass.

The 28-year-old has had a fairly comfortable passage so far and comes into this on the back of a straight sets triumph over Polish player Jerzy Janowicz in which he saved seven break points.

Betting odds and tips

Paire`s record against top level players on grass leaves a lot to be desired and he shouldn`t trouble Murray too much. However, if the defending champ has one of his wobbly moments, the Frenchman might just steal a set.

You can back Murray to win 3-1 at 11/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 10/07/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (10/07/2017 10:00:19) but are subject to change.