Benoit Paire vs David Goffin - Ultimate Tennis Showdown - Preview and Prediction

It is a clash of two different personalities as World number 22, Benoit Paire faces off number 10, David Goffin in Day 8 of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown. 

Paire has delivered a sub-standard performance so far winning just two matches out of seven. In his last encounter against compatriot, Elliot Bencherit, Paire gave everything he could before losing the match in sudden death in the fifth quarter. That loss dashed the Frenchman's hope of making the semi-finals. 

Despite concerns over a knee niggle and the hot conditions, Paire who is nicknamed as "the Rebel" will look to put his best foot forward against Goffin. 

On the other hand, the Belgian has played fearlessly so far, winning four matches out of seven. 

After losing two matches against Richard Gasquet and Matteo Berrettini, Goffin delivered his best performance whitewashing Australian Alexei Popyrin in four quarters. That match proved to be the catalyst in his revival of form as Goffin went on to beat Corentin Moutet with strong serves and rock-solid defence. 

Strengths of Paire 

An all-round game, never-say attitude and unpredictability are his biggest strengths. Though he is out of title contention now, he still has the firepower to play spoilsports to Goffin's chances. Paire would have to reduce his unforced error count and use his x3 Winner cards smartly to upset Goffin. 

Strengths of Goffin 

Consistency, ability to win long rallies and the strength to beat anyone on his day are Goffin's positives. He should rely on his strong serve to survive Benoit Paire's hard-hitting strokes. The Belgian needs to reduce his count of unforced errors, if he wants to wrap this up in a comfortable fashion. 

Goffin has beaten Paire four out of five times on hard-courts and holds the aces ahead of this mouth-watering clash. A win for the Belgian today, would take him a step closer towards making the semifinals. 

Prediction - Goffin to win in three quarters 

Cover Image Credits - tennismajors.com