French Open preview and odds: John Isner vs Teymuraz Gabashvili

Published on: 26/05/2016

French Open preview and odds: John Isner vs Teymuraz Gabashvili

May 27, 2016 - Roland Garros, Third Round

Two players less than a month apart in age will go head-to-head in the French Open on Friday as American John Isner takes on Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili.

Isner all set for another tough match

World No. 17 John Isner will be looking to reach the French Open fourth round for the second time in his career when he takes on the 31-year-old Teymuraz Gabashvili on Friday. The American had a tough battle in the first round, overcoming three tie-breaks to win in four sets against Aussie John Millman. His second round match against Britain`s Kyle Edmund was much more straightforward, finishing with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 score-line.

The 31-year-old has 10 ATP titles to his name with just one of those coming on clay. All of his wins have come at 250 series level.

Isner`s opponent on Friday will be fellow 31-year-old Teymuraz Gabashvili. The Russian player lost five matches in a row before arriving at Roland Garros but has managed to navigate his way past America`s Donald Young and World No. 21 Benoit Paire to make it to the third round stage.

The World No. 73 will be aiming to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the second consecutive year and for the third time overall. He has yet to win a title on the ATP tour.

When the two players last met, it was the Russian who came out on top, winning in straight sets on the clay courts of Houston. The year before it was Isner who prevailed in Madrid, also in straight sets. Overall, Gabashvili has the edge with a 2-1 head-to-head record.

Betting predictions

Isner will start as favourite but Gabashvili has beaten him twice before and has started to show some good form in the last two rounds.

You can back Gabashvili to win at 13/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 26/05/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (26/05/2016 15:45:21) but are subject to change.