Analysis for Hewitt-Fish (ATP Indian Wells)

Head-to-head record 1:0

Both of these players shined in the first rounds at Indian Wells. Hewitt is better ranked and more experienced player but his recent results are erratic. He is a defensive baseline counterpuncher who likes to stay back towards the baseline during a rally and usually approaches the net. His tactics typically involve putting difficult service returns in play, consistently chasing down attempted winning shots from his opponent, and waiting for his opponent to make an error. Although he is known primarily as a baseline defender, Hewitt is actually a skilled volleyer and is known for having one of the best overhead smashes in the game. This slower hard-court should suit him well but we still think he is a bit undervalued here. We don’t think he should be such a big favourite against home minion, Mardy Fish. Fish seems to be back in the game finally. He started off 2008 quite well at the Hopman Cup in Australia. Then he fell to Nieminen in the third round of the Australian Open. Fish then went on to make a quarterfinal showing at the Delray Beach International before losing to long time friend Robby Ginepri. At the Pacific Life Open, he started well by defeating Mayer, Andreev and Davydenko all in straight sets. His confidence should be sky high after demolishing Davydenko and we hope he can be more than equal opponent to Hewitt. Fish would need a bit faster conditions as his main weapon is serve but we still think he will be competitive in front of his home crowd. Odds above 2.6 could be taken.