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2010-01-17 20:15:09
The Tennistalk panel will be breaking down the “Matches of the Day” for each day of the Australian Open. Four matches are on the list for the opening day of the tournament.
(14) Marin Cilic vs. Fabrice Santoro
This is the first career meeting between Cilic and Santoro.
Ricky: Cilic in 3 - While Santoro is about to retire, Cilic--one of the hottest players on tour--is just now entering the prime of his career. Cilic will send Santoro off into the sunset in three quick sets.
Vincent: Cilic in 3 - Fans around the world appreciate Santoro’s unique style, but he's unlikely to have much joy against Cilic. The Frenchman will undoubtedly provide the crowd with some moments to savor, but Cilic should canter to a straight sets victory.
Cheryl: Cilic in 3 - I agree with Ricky and Vincent. Cilic has always had game, but now he has it on a consistent basis. Like every other tennis fan, I love to watch Santoro, but if people are expecting him to affect Cilic the way he did Marat Safin, they are sorely mistaken.
James Blake vs. Arnaud Clement
Blake leads the head-to-head series 7-0, including 4-0 on hard courts.
Ricky: Blake in 5 - Clement reached the Auckland final last week and even held a championship point. Although the Frenchman is playing well, he is a dismal 0-7 lifetime against Blake.
Vincent: Clement in 5 - Despite his dreadful record against Blake, Clement should go into this match confident of recording a first win. Blake showed signs of recovery in Brisbane after an awful 2009, but the gritty Frenchman will make life difficult for him.
Cheryl: Blake in 4 - The diminutive Clement has had a renaissance of late and when he's playing well (which he is at the moment), he has a good hard court game. And without pulling punches, James Blake has been dreadful for the better part of the year. Still, as Ricky pointed out, his record against Clement is impressive. Added to that, I actually saw Blake hit some forehand winners in Brisbane.
(13) Radek Stepanek vs. Ivo Karlovic
Stepanek leads the head-to-head series 3-0, but this is their first meeting on a hard court.
Ricky: Stepanek in 4 - Their most recent meeting lasted an incredible five hours and 58 minutes, with four tiebreakers followed by a 30-game fifth set. This is an intriguing rematch on paper, but Stepanek has been on fire of late and Karlovic is mired in a dismal slump.
Vincent: Stepanek in 5 - Stepanek has started the season in good form, reaching the Brisbane final, and he enjoyed a successful 2009. He's sure to face a stern test from the huge Croat, but Stepanek's superior court-craft will be enough for him to squeeze through.
Cheryl: Stepanek in 4 - This is an intriguing matchup, or it would be if Karlovic were playing good tennis at the moment. They beat the tar out of each other the last time they met, but the Croat has been off. If he gives Stepanek any looks on his serve, he'll be out of the Australian Open faster than you can say "second serve."
(33) John Isner vs. Andreas Seppi
This is the first career meeting between Isner and Seppi.
Ricky: Isner in 4 - Current form suggests Seppi has little chance in this one, but think again. Isner rarely blows people out due to the fact that his matches feature so few service breaks. Plus Isner has only one day of rest in between his Auckland triumph and his Melbourne opener. Still, Isner should prevail because this match pits one of the best servers on tour against one of the worst.
Vincent: Isner in 3 - Isner progressed through to the fourth round of the US Open in September and he has every chance of making a similar run in Melbourne. The huge-serving American may need a couple of 'breakers to get past Seppi but his superior confidence should give the edge in high-pressure moments.
Cheryl: Isner in 3 – Isner is coming into the Open off his first-ever tournament win in Auckland. Seppi, a tricky opponent from Italy, is ranked 49th in the world but the Italian spends most of his time and gets his best results on clay. Isner should get the win in straight sets.
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lol.......all of them picked stepanek to win :)
vrael , 1/18/10 11:40 AM
only one of the 4 complete
and I guess Vincent is in the lead since he had least had Ivo taking it to 5
VERY surprising result
RickyDimon , 1/18/10 2:24 PM
That's the thing with Ivo...you just never know.....
cherylmurray , 1/18/10 3:59 PM
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Seppi was diabolically poor against Hewitt and was trashed 6-0 6-1 I recall. Lead up form is poor and Isner won in Aukland beating inform Frenchman, Arnaud Clement.
Isner in 3 easily if Seppi continues his poor form. May be a possible injury or illness with Seppi. WHo knows how these players are like in the morning! But Isner for me.
slyspy666 , 1/18/10 5:23 AM