Brazilian ace Bellucci can delight home crowd

It doesn’t look a vintage crop of clay-courters who are contesting the Golden Swing in South American this year and homeland aces Thomaz Bellucci and Thiago Monteiro could have a big say in the destination of the Brazil Open title.

Neither player is seeded but that should not deter punters. Bellucci, who was defeated by Monteiro in Rio last week, can be tough as teak when he’s in title-winning mood. He faces a difficult-looking opener against Diego Schwartzman, but the Argentinian is arguably as good on fast courts as he is on clay so there’s a definite opportunity for Bellucci if he’s on song.

Monteiro has shown enough promise on numerous occasions to suggest he is ready to lift a home title. He looks a good learner and has started the year in decent fettle, so there’s of hope that he can open well against Carlos Berlocq, whose form on the ATP Tour has been nothing special.

Recommendations
T Bellucci
1pt each-way 14-1 Betway, Coral
T Monteiro
1pt each-way 33-1 bet365, Betfred

The lowdown

Venue Complexo Desportivo Constancio Vaz Guimaraes, Sao Paulo

Prize money $520,285 ($81,220 to winner)

Ranking points to winner 250

Surface Outdoor red clay

Ball Babolat Team

When to bet Starts 2pm today

Weather forecast A wet, thundery week is in store. High 30C

Time difference Sao Paulo is three hours behind the UK and Ireland