Events / Ben Caudell / 12 August 2010 /

Ben Caudell sees a classic confrontation at the Rogers Cup today when David Nalbandian meets Robin Soderling

David Nalbandian (ARG) v Robin Soderling (SWE)
Argentine legend Nalbandian is on a ten match winning streak after dismissing Spaniard Tommy Robredo in scintillating fashion 6-3 6-2 in the second round of the Rogers Cup yesterday. This amazing run of form dates back to twin Davis Cup victories last month over Russians Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny and has propelled the Argentine 72 places in the ATP World Rankings to No.45.
Today Nalbandian faces Sweden's Robin Soderling, a player who has the ability to beat anyone on any given day, and someone who has surpassed many pundits' expectations over the last couple of years. This form has meant a sustained climb up the rankings for Soderling who is close to knocking Andy Murray off his no.4 spot, should the Scot fail to defend the 1000 points he earned by winning last year's Rogers Cup which was held in Montreal.
Soderling may ply his best trade on the clay, but he also has an outstanding record on the hard courts reaching the semi-finals of both Miami and Indian Wells Master Series events back in March. His current record is 8-2 on the surface and 8-2 in all matches. The Swede registered a 4-6 6-4 6-4 win over the promising Ernests Gulbis here in round one and will need to find his rhythm early on if he is to have any chance against Nalbandian today.
But Nalbandian is in great shape, and showed no signs of fatigue after his exploits in Washington last week. He will fancy his chances against Soderling, against whom he has a 5-1 head-to-head series lead, although none of those matches were played on outdoor hard courts.
The Argentine will try to nullify Soderling's powerful forehand and serve. And while Soderling has the type of game that will suit Nalbandian's counter punching style, the 28-year-old Cordoba native will feed off the Swede's flat shots, preferring to take the ball early and counter attack his opponent into making unforced errors.
Soderling will be looking to hit top form in this match after a rusty performance against Gulbis, while Nalbandian is peeking at the right time and can get off to a better start in this match. The Argentine will need to win the first set to have a chance of progressing through to the next round, if he can do this and avoid going to three sets then who knows, we could be witnessing yet another tournament win for this much loved player.

Recommended Bet:
Back David Nalbandian @ [1.87] to win match
Back David Nalbandian to win Set 01 @ [2.0]

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