ATP Auckland: Lorenzi +150
Lorenzi draws Lacko. Both guys played through to the QFs in Doha last week. Both scored some decent results before losing to superior players - Lacko to Gasquet and Lorenzi to Ferrer. Lacko did injure his ankle against Gasquet that limited his movement. About three days of rest from that match. The ankle could be fine, but in looking for angles in the pre-Aussie Open build-up ... this for me is one to spot check. If Lacko is healthy, he has the surface edge - but he may also be more content with making sure he is healthy for next week with 3rd round points to defend in Melbourne whereas Lorenzi could be one of those guys who floats through this week playing loose with minimal concern for Melbourne where he usually is 1st round fodder.