by DAN CHILDS , Racing Post

Fabrice Santoro loves the Hall of Fame Championship

Mardy Fish is the warm 11-8 favourite to win the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis championships but the American may be upstaged by defending champion Fabrice Santoro, who is targeting a third successive triumph at the Newport venue.

It would be a fairytale scenario if Santoro could secure his seventh ATP Tour title at the age of 36, but there is every reason for the inform Frenchman to fancy his chances.

Santoro, a juicy 14-1 chance to lift the title, has confirmed that 2009 will be his last year on the professional circuit but there are no signs of him letting his standards slip.

The veteran won a Challenger event in Johannesburg three months ago and he has built on that performance during an impressive grass-court season.

He reached the semi-finals of last month's Eastbourne event, where he managed victories over Robert Kendrick and Robby Ginepri.

And he maintained a high standard at Wimbledon, where he recorded a straight-sets firstround victory over Nicolas Kiefer before losing in four sets to Juan Carlos Ferrero, who went on to reach the quarter-finals.

Santoro's impressive form has lifted his ranking to 37 - the highest it has been since January 2008 and loftier than his position on the eve of the 2007 and 2008 Newport tournaments.

His latest defence of the title begins with a relatively simple clash with Italian baseliner Flavio Cipolla, and with Fish lodged in the opposite half of the draw, his chances of reaching the final look reasonably strong.

Potential semi-final opponent Sam Querrey looks the toughest obstacle for Santoro to overcome.

Querrey - the 4-1 second favourite - has steadily improved his game during the last 12 months and layers are understandably respectful of his powerful allcourt game.

The top half of the draw looks inviting for Fish backers, but a potentially tricky quarter-final clash may be in store against Philipp Petzschner.

The German will be relatively pleased with his performance at Wimbledon, where he ousted Rajeev Ram and Mischa Zverev before running into an inspired Lleyton Hewitt.

At the time, Petzschner may have been disappointed with the manner of his straight-sets loss to Hewitt, but having watched the Australian battle his way through to the quarter-finals, he should be feeling a little happier with himself.

Petzschner has devoted much of his career to doubles but there is an increasing assurance about his singles play.

He lifted the first singles title of his career at Vienna last year and his impressive 2009 form has lifted his ranking to 55 - the highest of his career.

The key to his success this week will be the outcome of his likely last eight clash with Fish.

The American serve-volleyer has the ideal game for the fast courts at Newport and is worthy of his position at the top of the market.

However, it is possible that his serve-dominated game could be neutralized by Petzschner, whose return of serve has be honed by his extensive experience of doubles matches.

Recommendations F Santoro 1pt e-w 14-1 Stan James P Petzschner 0.5pt e-w 28-1 Stan James

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