ATP Munich

The BMW Open is one of the finest ATP 250 events around with a number of the top players entering looking for some form ahead of the back to back Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome. So let's have a look at who the main contenders for the title are.
   The top seed for this event is Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic but as I said in the last few week, I don't think he is playing well enough to win. He is too inconsistent and with his style of play you can't afford inconsistency. I wouldn't be surprised to see him beaten before the weekend here. Second seed Marin Cilic is already eliminated after suffering defeat against fellow Croat Ivan Dodig. Dodig is a potential danger in the quarter finals but again I don't see enough consistency in his game to be crowned winner on Sunday.
    Leading the German challenge this week are two serious contenders in Tommy Haas and defending champion Phillip Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber has been far from his best this season but playing in front of his home fans at a venue where he has won twice before makes him a threat. Haas has once again defied his age to prove last season was no fluke as he continues to climb the rankings. Having made it to a final and a Masters 1000 semi final already this year he is one worth watching this week.
     An early obstacle for Haas is Latvian Ernests Gulbis who has been in fantastic form since he quit smoking and drinking and decided to fully commit to tennis. With a title already to his name this season he will see a real chance to bag a second one this week. Aleksandr Dolgopolov has been poor all season but is capable of turning it around in the blink of an eye and if he does then he could be worth watching.
    Although there were 28 names in the field, I do believe I have mentioned the winner already. It's not easy to look ahead and pick one player but I think the winner of this title will be the winner of the Ernests Gulbis-Tommy Haas match. They face off tomorrow and I see the winner of that meeting Kohlschreiber in the final. Gulbis is at 4/1 currently, while Haas is at 6/1. Kohlschreiber is at 2/1. If I had to pick one I'd go for Haas.