Events / Ben Caudell / 19 August 2009 /

Players are struggling to adapt to the heat in Ohio and Ben Caudell believes the world number four could be the next big name to succumb...

Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Novak Djokovic (SRB) -

Croatia meets Serbia today as Ivan Ljubicic takes on Novak Djokovic for the second time this year.

Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 2-1 with his most recent win over the Croat at this year's Madrid Masters 6-4 6-4 on clay. At last week's Montreal Master Series, Djokovic, who was playing in his first competitive tournament since Wimbledon, looked out of sorts. This match will be by no means a walk in the park for the Serbian, Ivan Ljubicic will be more accustomed to the fast, low bouncing hard court surface having already played three matches, two qualifying matches and a first round win over Florent Serra in three sets.

Players are struggling to adapt to the conditions in Cincinnati, this was highlighted by the early exits of the Williams sisters at the Rogers Cup held here last week. Yesterday Fernando Verdasco struggled with the conditions, losing to Guillermo Garcia Lopez in straight sets. Djokovic loathes playing in hot or humid conditions and with the scheduled match time set at 11am (local) I can see the young Serb struggling to get to grips with the elements. Therefore there is definitely value in placing a small wager on Ljubicic at the tastey odds on offer.

Selection:
Back Ivan Ljubicic @ [7.0] pre match, lay bet off @ [4.5]
Lay Djokovic 2-0 @1.5

Guillermo Garcia Lopez (ESP) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) -

I was extremely impressed with Garcia Lopez's performance against Fernando Verdasco in the first round yesterday. The dogged Spaniard was consistent on both sides from the back of the court, rarely letting his guard down, forcing his opponent into making unforced errors and winning 82% of his first serves. The clay court specialist surprisingly looked at home on the faster surface and will be confident after claiming his first top-10 scalp. Youzhny also put in a decent first round performance, dismantling Victor Hanescu in straight sets.

I can see Garcia Lopez frustrating Youzhny from the back of the court and with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head series 3-0 against the Russian the value will be to back Garcia Lopez.

Selection:
Back Guillermo Garcia Lopez @2.55 to win match

Best Bet: Back Guillermo Garcia Lopez @2.55 to win match (2nd Rd Cincinnati Masters)

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