These two players have already met two time this season, with each of them winning one match.

The first one took place in Brisbane, in fact it was the Final of the tournament, and Stepanek won it with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 score. The second match took place just after about 2 weeks in Melbourne at the Australian Open. That match was won by Verdasco, with a convincing score 6-4, 6-0, 6-0. What is interesting, is that in the last match the first set was a very strange one with a few breaks of serves and both players having good moments but in the end Verdasco went on to win the set and the match. What is more interesting is the fact the Stepanek didn't even manage to take one game, after the first set. And we have to take in consideration that Stepanek, has some excellent serve and volley techniques, and for him to be unable to take one game, that says a lot.

Verdasco has played wonderful at the Australian Open. I don't expect him to play at that level today, but I'm sure he will be able to be one level above Stepanek.

Before this match, Verdasco played against him compatriot, F. Lopez. Now, I see this match as beeing the perfect "warm-up" match before a Stepanek match, because both Stepanek and F. Lopez have the same tactics. Both have a strong game around the serve and volley tactic.

Stepanek's last match was against F. Gonzalez, which we won in straight sets, 7-6 6-4, which was a bit surprising as I would have expected Gonzalez to take one set, but Gonzalez is a player that puts a lot on the forehand he has, and most of the times, that just isn't enough on the faster courts.

So, my money is on Verdasco to win this one.

The odds are around 1.5, with Expekt at 1.56. I can't say that there is much value in the odds, maybe something around 1.7 would have represented more value, but taking in consideration the form of the two players, I am willing to place a medium stake bet on this one.