Xavier Malisse v Somdev K. Dev Varman
Tennis: South Africa, ATP Johannesburg, Singles 2010
Tuesday, 2nd February 2010 - Start 12:45 GMT

---

Preview

Xavier Malisse is the current World Number 106 but will be hoping to have a good ranking that can move him up the ranking ladder in time for the Master Series Events that are going to take place in America next month.

The Belgian has started the season 4-2, but only 1 of those matches has taken place on the main tour, a defeat in the 1st round to Nicolas Almagro at the Australian Open. Malisse had actually fought through 3 Qualifying rounds there already before the defeat to Almagro, a player who would go on and reach the 4th round.

Malisse finished last season strongly and ended the year with a 25-9 record on the hard courts. However, he was only 1-2 in main tour matches, the rest coming in Challenger and Qualification events.

Much of his career success has been on the faster hard courts so these should suit his game.

Somdev Devvarman is number 162 in the World Rankings and will be looking to make his move on the main tour this season. He has started this season with a 2-3 record, already winning a match on the main tour in Chennai earlier this year.

Devvarman failed to qualify for the Australian Open after falling in the last round.

The Indian player actually had his best results on the hard courts last season, finishing with a 26-17 record, 9-4 on the main tour. He reached the Final in Chennai and also the 3rd round at Washington after qualifying for the tournament.

Head to Head

These two have met once before with Devvarman leading the head to head 1-0 after Malisse was forced to retire in the 1st set.

Prediction

This is an interesting match and one that Malisse will surely feel he can win. Both players have spent much of their time playing in the Challenger and Qualification levels, and it is clear tha Malisse is the player with the stronger results.

This is a good chance for Malisse to move up the rankings as he has a kind draw here in South Africa and although a tough start, I think Malisse will come through, possibly taking 3 sets to do so.

Xavier Malisse to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

The Pick :

Xavier Malisse to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Xavier Malisse WIN @ 1.50 (Ladbrokes)