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1/4/10 11:42 PM | Ricky Dimon
Three marquee first-round matchups are on Tuesday's menu at the Brisbane International. Featured players include Marcos Baghdatis, Gael Monfils, Sam Querrey, and James Blake.
Mardy Fish vs. Marcos Baghdatis
Among a handful of scintillating first-round showdowns in Brisbane is a Tuesday meeting between Fish and Baghdatis, who have faced each other on one previous occasions. Baghdatis hammered Fish in straight sets in the third round of last year's Australian Open before both players dealt with physical problems. Fish missed almost the entire second half of the season, while Baghdatis recovered to capture a title in Stockholm. The Cyoriot is currently ranked 13 places ahead of Fish at No. 42 in the world. Given Baghdatis' edge in current form, he should dominate from the baseline and ease through this in two sets.
James Blake vs. Sam Querrey
It will be battle between fellow Americans and familiar foes when Blake and Querrey square off in a tough first-round clash on Tuesday afternoon. Blake leads their head-to-head series 5-1, but Blake seems to be on the decline while Querrey is on the rise. The 6'6'' Querrey is ranked 25th in the world despite missing all of last fall with a right arm injury. Blake, eight years older than his opponent at 30, has slipped to No. 44 due to a dismal year in which he parted ways with long-time coach Brian Barker. Blake has a good chance in this one due to their past history and Querrey's rust, but look for Querrey's serve to be the difference in a tight three-setter.
Gael Monfils vs. Taylor Dent
Monfils and Dent will be meeting for the first time in a blockbuster opening-round matchup at the Brisbane International on Tuesday. Although Monfils is the No. 3 seed, the draw did him no favors by pitting him against Dent, who emerged out of nowhere (more literally, out of retirement) to finish 2009 at No. 76 in the world. Highlights for the American included a fourth-round showing at the Miami Masters and a third-round appearance at the U.S. Open. Monfils also enjoyed a stellar 2009 campaign and he currently registers at No. 13 in the world. Dent has a chance if he is putting in a ton of first serves, but Monfils should prevail.
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Fun match with Fish and Baggy ... Mardy looks good with his longer locks; Marcos, not so much but that didn't stop from playing well.
smr , 1/5/10 3:40 AM