Events / Ben Caudell / 18 August 2009 /

Ben Caudell reckons the markets have got it wrong in two of today's encounters. So look out for an Aussie legend and a Czech who loves the hard stuff...

Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) -

This happens to be my match of the day, both players have similar stats and form coming in and both will be aiming to get a few decent results under their belt before the start of the US Open in a fortnight's time. Their head-to-head reads 3-2 in favour of Gonzalez, the last two matches however were won by Berdych, both matches on hard court including a three set win at last year's Cincinnati Master Series.

Tomas Berdych's favourite surface is outdoor hard courts, he lost to Roger Federer in an epic battle that went to five sets at this year's Australian Open in the fourth round. His best tournament result of late was at last year's Tokyo Open, where he way defeated Tommy Robredo, Fernando Gonzalez, Andy Roddick and Juan Martin Del Potro on his way to being crowned champion. Gonzalez is definitely not inept on the hard courts either and will be seeking a first round win here for the first time in three years.

Both players can at times be very 'hit and miss' and it really does depend on who turns up on the day. This is a tough match to call, however I believe that the odds should be a lot closer than they currently are and there is definitely value in backing Tomas Berdych @ the [2.7] on offer.

Selection: Back Tomas Berdych @2.7 to win match
Lay Gonzalez 2-0 @2.4

Robin Soderling (SWE) v Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) -

This matchup will prove to be another decent contest to watch on the box tonight and hard one to call. Hewitt leads the head-to-head series 2-0, both wins on hard-court, however I wouldn't read too much into these results because they were played back in 2004 and since then Soderling has matured immensely, especially within the last year. Similar to my Berdych v Gonzalez prediction, I believe the odds should be closer than they are and there is definite value in backing Lleyton Hewitt.

The Aussie legend loves playing in Cincinnati and although missing out in 2008 has an unrivalled record at this event. In 2007 he lost to Roger Federer in the semi final in three sets, in total he has reached the semi-final stage three times and the final twice since 2000. I expect this to be a close fought battle that will probably go all the way and it will be a toss of the coin to see who wins. Therefore value is on the Aussie.

Selection: Back Lleyton Hewitt @ [2.4] to win match

Best Bet - Back Tomas Berdych @ [2.7] to defeat Fernando Gonzalez

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