Janko Tipsarevic v Mikhail Youzhny
Tennis: United Arab Emirates, ATP Dubai, Singles
Thursday 25th February 2010 - Start 11:30 GMT

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Preview

Janko Tipsarevic, another of the Serbian tennis players on tour, caused the biggest surprise of the tournament so far when he beat Andy Murray in 3 spectacular sets yesterday. He also reached his first Quarter Final on the main ATP tour since Chennai at the beginning of the season.

Tipsarevic is currently ranked as the World Number 39 but will see that improve in the new list on Monday. However, his more immediate concern will be to get to his 2nd Semi Final of the new season.

The Serbian number 3 has struggled on the hard courts over the last couple of seasons before this one, compiling a 20-19 record and having a losing record in ATP main tour tournaments. However he is 6-2 this season and is in some good form after reaching the Semi Final of a Challenger event held in Serbia last week.

He has beaten Andreas Seppi as well as Murray this week, his first wins in Dubai after being a career 0-3 at this event.

Mikhail Youzhny is a real enigma to figure out. Currently ranked as the World Number 15, he can blow hot and cold within the same match, seemingly looking lost one moment and then hitting blistering winners for fun in the next.

Youzhny will be hoping to continue his good start to the season and will be looking to reach his 2nd consecutive Semi Final following on from his Runner Up spot in Rotterdam 2 weeks ago. He has a 8-2 record this year and has historically played well on hard courts, going 34-21 since 2008.

The good form displayed by the Russian follows hot on the heels of his form at the end of last season when he reached the Final of 3 of the last 4 tournaments he competed in. With little points to defend in the next month, Youzhny could make a real run at returning to the top 10.

He came through a tough 1st round against Lukas Lacko in 3 sets before beating Bjorn Phau in straight sets yesterday.

Head to Head

The two have met 3 times in the last 2 years and it is Tipsarevic who leads the head to head 2-1.

Tipsarevic has won their only meeting on a hard court in 3 sets, but their most recent meeting was won by Youzhny at the back end of last season, also in 3 sets.

Prediction

Janko Tipsarevic put a lot of effort into his match with Andy Murray, one that last 2 and a half hours in the evening local time. He is due out on court at around 330pm local time and it will be interesting to see if he can mentally cope with another battle he is sure to get from Youzhny.

Mikhail Youzhny has seen the draw open up somewhat with the losses suffered by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Murray and Nikolay Davydenko yesterday while both Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic looked out of sorts. He has played solid tennis so far this week and may take advantage of a tired opponent here.

I think this match has the feel of 'after the Lord Major's show' for me concerning Tipsarevic. I think the Serbian has had a good week but this is going to be one test too many and I feel Youzhny will come through. The first set may be tight before Youzhny can pull away.

Mikhail Youzhny to win 7-6, 6-2

The Pick :

Mikhail Youzhny to win 7-6, 6-2

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Mikhail Youzhny WIN