Federer (2) v Korolev. The Russian is ranked 119, and in three years hasn’t passed the second round of a major. Still, he’s a qualifier with a lot of tennis under his belt, and beat former top-tenner Carlos Moya in the first round. Roger must take care. Federer in straight.
Betfair Odds: Federer $1.08 Korolev $28
Djokovic (3) v Chardy. Chardy’s one of 14 Frenchmen who finished in the top 100 last year. He had a taste of glory at Roland Garros, where he reached the fourth round, and made a good fist of his debut match at Melbourne Park on Monday. Djokovic in four.
Betfair Odds: Djokovic $1.08 Chardy $11.5
Roddick (7) v Malisse. The brilliant, but inconsistent Belgian has seen his ranking drop to 201 through injury. He finds Roddick a handful anyway, trailing 0-7 in their head-to-head rivalry. Roddick in straight.
Betfair odds: Roddick $1.15 Malisse $7.20
Muller v Tomic. Fifty-six years ago, Ken Rosewall won his first Aussie crown at 18. Will the 16-year-old Queenslander up-stage him? No chance – even if the kid’s fearless. But Tomic can certainly make the third round, especially as Muller spent 5 hours 34 minutes on court against Lopez. Tomic in four.
Betfair odds: Tomic $3.90 Muller $1.33
Jankovic (1) v Flipkens. The Belgian battler won’t interrupt the top seed’s relatively easy run to the quarter-finals. Jankovic in straight.
Betfair odds: Jankovic $1.08 Flipkens $32
Safina (3) v Makarova. An all-Russian showdown. Makarova is only 20, yet made the third round here in 2008. She has twice reached the same stage of the US Open. Safina is too heavy a hitter, though. Safina in straight.
Betfair odds: Safina $1.08 Makarova $12
Ivanovic (5) v Brianti. Brianti, a qualifier, won her first-round match comfortably. And Ivanovic hasn’t yet hit top form. Even so, Ivanovic in straight.
Betfair odds: Ivanovic $1.12 Brianti $8.20
Chakvetadze (17) v Dokic. It’s too early in Dokic’s rehabilitation for her to beat someone as talented and smart as the Russian Fed Cup player, who’s won seven career titles and been in a Grand Slam semi-final. Chakvetadze in three.
Betfair odds: Chakvetadze $1.61 Dokic $2.58
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