Fearless Forecasts - Day Five

Friday 23 January 2009
By Alan Trengove

Veteran tennis scribe Alan Trengove offers his forthright views on Friday's key matches at Australian Open 2009.

Federer (2) v Safin (26). Their head-to-head record stands at 9-2 in Federer’s favour. They are both former champions here, and both have been World No. 1. In a semi-final of the 2005 Australian Open, Safin beat Federer by 9-7 in the fifth set after saving a match point. This could be Marat’s last chance to beat him again before retiring at the end of the year. Safin in five.
Betfair odds: Federer $1.2 Safin $9.00

Djokovic (3) v Delic. Djokovic has made a good start to the defence of his title, and will try to peak on Sunday week. However, Delic, who moved to America from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has beaten two handy players in Dent and Mathieu. He won’t be taken lightly. Djokovic in straight.
Betfair odds: Djokovic $1.03 Delic $28

Roddick (7) v Santoro. The French touch artist delights in frustrating bigger and higher ranked men, but Roddick and new coach Larry Stefanki will have all the answers. Roddick in straight.
Betfair odds: Roddick $1.08 Santoro $13

Fish (23) v Baghdatis. Baghdatis has good vibes when he returns to Melbourne, scene of the epic battles that took him to the final in 2006. On his form against Benneteau and Soderling, the Greek Cypriot patriot should beat the No. 3 American. Baghdatis in five.
Betfair odds: Fish $2.50 Baghdatis $1.65

Jankovic (1) v Sugiyama (26). In 14 previous attempts to win the women’s title, the 33-year-old Japanese reached the quarter-finals only once. Jankovic in straight.
Betfair odds: Jankovic $1.08 Sugiyama $12.00

Safina (3) v Kanepi (25). Safina won their previous three matches, but dropped a set to Kanepi in 2008. The Estonian is as big and robust as the Russian, but less temperamental. Safina in three.
Betfair odds: Safina $1.13 Kanepi $8.00

Zvonareva (7) v Errani. Zvonareva, a hard-hitting Russian, has twice made the fourth round at Melbourne Park. By contrast, the Italian was denied a win in her first two visits here, but won her first two matches this week. Zvonareva in three.
Betfair odds: Zvonareva $1.17 Errani $6.60

Wozniacki (11) v Dokic. Even if she avoids a letdown after a brave effort against Chakvetadze, Dokik will have her hands full against the rising Danish star. Though only 18, Wozniacki owns three WTA Tour titles and last year showed some flair for the bigtime by making the fourth round of both the Australian and US Opens. Wozniacki in straight.
Betfair odds: Wozniacki $1.23 Dokic $5.00