Australian Open Betting / Ben Caudell / 20 January 2010 /

The slow Melbourne courts will suit Juan Monaco's counter-punching style down to the ground and his French opponent's game is likely to play into his hands too, says Ben Caudell. Meanwhile, a home favourites' comeback could be short-lived.

Juan Monaco (ARG) v Michael Llodra (FRA)
Seeded 30 at this year's Australian Open, Juan Monaco has a good chance of reaching the third round for only the second time in his career. The Argentine, whose style of play is suited more to the slower clay court surface has acquired, unlike most clay courts specialists, the ability to mix it up on the hard as well. In 2007 Monaco made it through three rounds of the US Open before losing to Novak Djokovic, he managed last year to take a set off Andy Murray at the Miami Master and performed well here against Ernest's Gulbis in the first round, winning in straight sets.

The reason I like this match-up and favour Juan Monaco is down to the fact that the Melbourne courts are playing extremely slowly this year. Monaco is a baseliner, who grinds out points from the back, a counter puncher, who soaks up the pressure similar to the way Andy Murray does before unleashing winners past anyone who dares approach the net.

Michael Llodra is the ideal opponent for Juan Monaco on this kind of surface. He is what is known as a net rusher, someone who will get to the net as quickly as possible to save himself from having to play long rallies from the back of the court. He tends to play best on the faster, indoor courts where points are shorter and where the serve is more effective. Monaco will relish Llodra's style of play and I can see no other outcome in this match other than a win for the Argentine.

Selection: Back Juan Monaco @ [1.53] to win match

Karolina Sprem (CRO) v Casey Dellacqua (AUS)
Casey Dellacqua wasn't sure she was going to be fit enough to play at this year's Australian Open. The young Australian, who was relatively unknown in 2008, captivated her home fans as she stormed her way to the fourth round with wins over seeded players Patty Schnyder and Amelie Mauresmo. impressive results followed that year and she reached No.39 in the world rankings before going under the surgeon's knife to repair a left shoulder injury.

After almost a year out, and now ranked 980, Dellacqua is raring to go after winning a wildcard play-off against Olivia Rogowska also of Australia.

Tonight she takes centre stage on the Rod Laver Arena court against Karolina Sprem. The Croatian convincingly defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues the number 25 seed, in the first round 6-3 6-2. She will be well supported by the riotous Croatian fans at the arena.

The pressure will be on the Australian to perform in front of a packed out stadium. The fact that she has been out for a year tells me that she is lacking the experience in competitive matches and probably won't be at the top of her game. Her big comeback could well be short lived.

Selection: Back Karolina Sprem @ [1.7] to win match

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