There is no doubt that David Ferrer has regressed somewhat over the past 18 months, but he should still prove too strong for Andrey Rublev. There is not a great deal between them on serve, but Ferrer’s return stats on hardcourts are superior and he is a proven performer over five sets at the Grand Slams.
You never know what you are going to get with Mikhail Youzhny, but I am willing to take the gamble at his current price in Australian Open betting. There is no doubt that on his best form Youzhny has an edge over Pablo Cuevas and his hold/break statistics on hardcourts are better than that of his rival.
There was nothing between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Brisbane Heat when they did battle at The Gabba last week and it is fair to say that a controversial umpiring decision is what cost the Heat the win. The Hurricanes are highly reliant on D’Arcy Short and if the Heat can get him cheaply they win. $2 is well and truly over the odds.