Australian Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 19 January 2010 /

The US Open Champion isn't feeling 100% and American James Blake is exactly the type of player who can capitalise on an opponent's woes, says Ben Caudell.

James Blake (USA) v Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)

If his injury problems persist, this is a potentially disastrous second round tie for number four seed Juan Martin Del Potro.

James Blake is not the type of player you want to meet if you are having doubts about whether to continue. The Argentine complained of some slight discomfort from an injury that hampered his preparations in the build-up to his first round win over Michael Russell. He played only one match at the invitational Kooyong Classic last week, withdrawing because of the injury, and he stated after his first round win here that he doesn't feel 100%.

James Blake, who has dropped from being a top eight player in the world to just inside the top 50, will see this match as way of getting back to the form he was showing three years ago. He has the ability to do so but the mental side of his game needs to be addressed.

The American's preparations for the Australian Open have gone well, he has had some close three set battles over the last couple of months which he can take positives from. His opening match against Arnaud Clement was pretty straight forward whereas Del Potro dropped a set against his opponent Michael Russell.

It's probably best to see how each player starts the match before getting tied in. If Del Potro is showing signs of struggling early on then it will be wise to back Blake. I think Blake will at least win a set so I'll be laying Del Porto 3-0 and backing any handicaps in favour of Blake.

Selection:
Lay Del Potro 3-0 @ [2.0]
Back Blake @ [4.6] to win match (small bet)

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