Federer (2) v Berdych (20). Fearless risked a night in the doghouse after tipping big Marat to beat the charming Roger. Tipping Berdych could be just as risky. The Czech beat Federer the first time they met – at the Athens Olympics – but has lost seven times against him since. Berdych is playing well and stopped Roger’s friend Stan. He can worry Roger, too. But Fearless is fearless, not mindless. It’s going to be a hot night, and there’s no air-conditioning in the doghouse. Federer in four.
Djokovic (3) v Baghdatis. Baghdatis is in his best form since being runner-up to Federer in 2006. He’ll be boosted by an army of fans in blue and white, complementing the stadium’s décor. Djokovic has beaten him twice – once on clay in Rome, and once in a marathon match at Wimbledon. They’re both very adept on hardcourt. Baghdatis in five.
Roddick (7) v Robredo (21). What you can be sure of in a Spanish player is that he’ll be fit, keen and full of running. On the other hand, Roddick thrives on a scrap and is flourishing under new coach Larry Stefanki. Roddick in four.
Del Potro (8) v Cilic (19). The Argentine recently triumphed at Auckland, and on Friday survived a rugged encounter with Muller. But Cilic, the No. 1 Croat, looks sharper and hungrier. Cilic in five.
Jankovic (1) v Bartoli (16). Jankovic has yet to drop a set, whereas Bartoli came from a set down against Safarova. The French woman, a surprise finalist at Wimbledon in 2007, has nice touch and again can’t be underestimated. Jankovic in three.
Safina (3) v Cornet (15). They met just over a week ago in a quarterfinal of the Sydney International, Dinara winning 6-3 6-4. This time the young Frenchwoman is good enough to win a set. Safina in three.
Zvonareva (7) v Petrova (10). Two Russians waiting to join the Grand Slam club, with Petrova a little ahead in the queue. Petrova in three.
Kleybanova (29) v Dokic. Kleybanova is a 19-year-old who says the Australian Open is her favourite tournament (just as Dokic does). In 2008 the Russian made three quarterfinals and the fourth round at Wimbledon. That’s not enough to faze the reborn Jelena Dokic. Dokic in three.
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