A Happy New Year to everyone! The tennis season is off and racing and so far things are going okay. A recap for the week so far:

ATP Brisbane: 2-0

ATP Chennai: 0-1

Two plays that appeal today in Brisbane, both matches involving Australians. The Aussies have served me well so far, but I think the tables will turn today (***2nd play to be posted shortly***).

Also, I will be cheering on Marin Cilic today as the outright selection for the tournament, as he comes up against the man of the moment Grigor Dimitrov.

Marinko Matosevic vs Sam Querrey – 12:30 AEDST on 7TWO

It may have taken Sam Querrey a game or two to shake off the pre season rust vs Dmitry Tursunov, but when he did, he really excelled. I have high hopes for Sam this year. Fully fit after shutting it down for 2013 midway through the US hardcourt season, Querrey is raring to go and got off to a quality start in Brisbane.

Marinko Matosevic FINALLY won a game on home soil, getting the better of Julien Benneteau in 3 tight sets. Having served for the match unsuccessfully in the 3rd set, Matosevic ended up getting the better of Benneteau, who looked to be struggling physically towards the conclusion of the match. It was an important step in the progression of Matosevic as a player, as he is looking to tick off the “winning a Grand Slam match” in a few weeks time.

I was on Marinko the other day, and although I was impressed at his ability to find himself up a break of serve in each set, his closing out of sets left a lot to be desired. He really needs to look after his serve if he is to progress further in Brisbane, especially against a player serving as well as Querrey.

After being broken early against Tursonov, Querrey did not face a Deuce or break point in any of his last 9 service games. From reports Sam felt comfortable on the fast hardcourt, and his mindset appears to have improved markedly. He spoke of his struggles in the latter part of 2013 stemming from some personal issues (breakdown of a relationship – no longer engaged) and appears to have started 2014 with a refreshed mindset.

Relevant Previous Meetings

These two guys met twice last year, both on hardcourt. The results were split, with Matosevic taking the Memphis indoor meeting in February 3-6 6-4 7-5, and Querrey exacting revenge at Indian Wells a few weeks later 7-6 6-7 7-5.

Suggested Bet

I really like Sam Querrey here. I tossed up the idea of playing this as a Best Bet, but just don’t think I have enough data to make a call like that. It is however a high confidence play for me this time of year. I think Querrey gets the job done, and could possibly get it done in straight sets with a good start.

As long as Sam looks after his serve, he will get a look-in fairly regularly at the Matosevic serve based on the other day, especially late in sets.

Sam Querrey h2h at $1.72 at Pinnacle  (NOTE: also happy with most handicaps available, predicting a solid performance from Sam here).

Confidence 75%