Sony Ericsson Open Friday Tips: Back in form Vaidisova can keep good run going

Events / Ben Caudell / 27 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Return to old coach and new training regime have turned things around for Czech starlet, says Ben Caudell.

What a fantastic day for yesterday's daily tips with Karolina Sprem and Frederico Gil winning in compelling fashion. Sprem Sailed through her match against Marina Erakovic 6-0, 6-2. We backed her at a fantastic 1.50 to win, a massive price considering the pre match form of the two players (Sprem 9-1, Erakovic 3-7) .

As predicted, Gil outplayed a lethargic Mischa Zverev winning 80% of his first serves and 100% of his service games. Although the first set was a close encounter, Gil winning 7-6, he managed to storm through the second with two breaks of serve 6-2. We backed him at [2.2] pre-match.

Today see's the start of the second round matches with previous champions Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer vying to break Rafael Nadal's superiority in the men's game. They both have relatively straightforward second round matches, Djokovic plays Franck Dancevic and Roger Federer faces Kevin Kim, so no upsets here then!

Today's Selections...

Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) v Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)
There is definitely value in backing qualifier Kukushkin in the match odds market against out of form Dmitry Tursunov today. The 22-year-old upset Tommy Haas on the opening day of the tournament in straight sets 6-4 6-4 and has won eight of his last ten matches, albeit against lesser know opposition. Having made his way through the qualifying rounds without losing a set, Kukushkin will be surely be more acclimatised to the surface and conditions than Tursunov. It's also interesting to note that almost every qualifier made it through to the second round, a fact that Tursunov will find slightly worrying.....
Selection: Lay Dmitry Tursunov 2-0 @ [2.42]


Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) v Alona Bondarenko (UKR)
Both these players have been suffering from a lack of confidence of late. Vaidisova's demise has been incredible over the last couple of years but having recently returned to her old coach Alex Kodat and by taking part in an intensive training schedule at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the young Czech is starting to find her feet again. At last week's BNP Paribas Open, Vaidisova had a convincing first round win against Michaella Krajicek 6-3 6-4, and then went on to defeat today's opponent Alona Bondarenko 6-3 6-1. With this recent win fresh in the mind, [1.55] on the Czech is great value
Selection: Back Nicole Vaidisova @ 1.55 to win match