Analysis for Llodra-Sirianni (ATP Brisbane)

Head-to-head record 1:0

Another qualifier, Aussie veteran Joseph Sirianni will face Michael Llodra of France in the first round. Llodra had the career best year in 2008. In singles, Frenchman won two tournaments in the course of two months, the first being in Adelaide, where he defeated Jarkko Nieminen in the final, and the other in Rotterdam, where he edged out Robin Soderling in a third-set tiebreak. He then entered the 2008 French Open, where he upset Tomas Berdych in the second round and went on to reach the fourth round, losing to Latvian Ernests Gulbis in straight sets. However, the end of the year was really disappointing for Llodra. He suffered 3 losses in a row including first round loss to unknown Istomin. On October 20, in the 1st round of the ATP tournament Lyon Grand Prix, Llodra lost 2-0 to fift-seeded Tommy Robredo. Strange odds movements could be seen before and during the game at the betting-exchange Betfair, including over $130,000 matched at low odds on 2-0 to Robredo. Bettors have accused Llodra of match-fixing. His opponent will be Australian veteran who has never achieved any remarkable success on ATP circuit but has always been dangerous on Aussie soil. He has a great serve and it is always difficult to break him. Last year, he began in a great style beating Stepanek, Querrey and Mathieu in Adelaide to be defeated in semis by Llodra I their only meeting. He played well in qualifiers and we believe he has a decent chance to keep it close today. Odds above 2.5 are worth considering for us.