Australian Open Qualifiers
Struff +125
The German draws the more experienced, yet still young Dutchman de Bakker. Both won their opening round quali in different fashion. de Bakker had few issues with his Ukranian opponent, using his serve to dominate for most of the match. Struff had to work harder against a competent Dutchman Huta-Galung. He did a good job prevailing in three, picking apart the 2nd serve. Struff got really hot at the end of 2012 beating the likes of Mannarino, Berankis and Bachinger on indoor hard courts. He also pushed Jarkko Nieminen to three sets in the Helsinki Challenger. de Bakker has been struggling off and on with a back injury since December that he admitted still bothered him at times in the opener in qualis. It apparently hampers his ability to bend and hit the backhand at lower angles. Struff is tall and lanky like de Bakker Conditions will be hot and windy today, so if Struff can extend this match and make de Bakker work - the heat could take its toll perhaps.
Reid +180 *0.5 unit
Local Aussie hope against the German clay courter Reister. Both breezed through their openers. Reister more impressive over the American Kudla in straights. Reid demolished Brazilian Hochevar in straights. Should be a good confidence boost for Reid who had lost in qualis in Brisbane and Sydney. Reid is usually competitive in these settings early in the Australian tournaments and that means a chance against Reister who rarely plays on hard courts and could be prone to the conditions effecting him whereas Reid might have the advantage with dealing with those.
Struff +125
The German draws the more experienced, yet still young Dutchman de Bakker. Both won their opening round quali in different fashion. de Bakker had few issues with his Ukranian opponent, using his serve to dominate for most of the match. Struff had to work harder against a competent Dutchman Huta-Galung. He did a good job prevailing in three, picking apart the 2nd serve. Struff got really hot at the end of 2012 beating the likes of Mannarino, Berankis and Bachinger on indoor hard courts. He also pushed Jarkko Nieminen to three sets in the Helsinki Challenger. de Bakker has been struggling off and on with a back injury since December that he admitted still bothered him at times in the opener in qualis. It apparently hampers his ability to bend and hit the backhand at lower angles. Struff is tall and lanky like de Bakker Conditions will be hot and windy today, so if Struff can extend this match and make de Bakker work - the heat could take its toll perhaps.
Reid +180 *0.5 unit
Local Aussie hope against the German clay courter Reister. Both breezed through their openers. Reister more impressive over the American Kudla in straights. Reid demolished Brazilian Hochevar in straights. Should be a good confidence boost for Reid who had lost in qualis in Brisbane and Sydney. Reid is usually competitive in these settings early in the Australian tournaments and that means a chance against Reister who rarely plays on hard courts and could be prone to the conditions effecting him whereas Reid might have the advantage with dealing with those.
Was a smart play. Think I'll just ride it home though.