Analysis for Hrbaty-Isner (ATP Australian Open)

Head-to-head record 0:0

Experienced Slovak Dominik Hrbaty will play American bomber John Isner in the first round. Isner is known for his booming serve which is attributed, at least in part, to his height. Commentators have also praised his composure during matches, as displayed during his five consecutive 3rd-set tiebreaker wins in Washington, which were marked by his ability to bring out huge serves when it mattered most. Additionally he is known to back up his huge serves with approaches to the net, though he does not strictly serve and volley. Isner has been compared to Croatian Ivo Karlovic. His career best result comes from Washington 2007 where Fernando Gonzalez's late withdrawal freed up a wild card spot, which was given at the last minute to Isner. Isner took full advantage of his good fortune, recording his first-ever wins over top-100 players. He won 3rd-set tiebreakers on 5 consecutive days, Tim Henman, Benjamin Becker, Wayne Odesnik, Tommy Haas, Gael Monfils, to reach the final. He fell to Andy Roddick in the final, but his incredible week raised his ranking significantly after just 6 weeks as a pro. Isner received a wild card entry into the 2009 Australian Open after winning the United States Tennis Association's wildcard tournament, beating Donald Young and Jesse Levine along the way. Even if we praised Isner in the text above, it must be said that he didn’t proved his potential in 2008 and his latest results aren´t worth mentioning. He will face experieced Slovakian in the first round. Hrbatý has won six ATP titles and has been ranked as high as No. 12 in the world at 18 October 2004. He has been known for high fighting spirit and excellent performance in team competitions - Davis Cup and Hopman Cup - regularly beating higher positioned players. In 2009, he surprisingly won Hopman Cup for Slovakia along with Dominika Cibulkova. Hrbaty defeated Blake, Safin and Kiefer there and lost just once - in a very tight match to Hewitt. It was a world class performance and he continued in style beating Yani, Ghedin and Chiudinelli in qualifiers for Australian Open. Hrbaty plays in a great shape and we think he should be a big favourite against Isner. His play is much more versatile and we expect him to advance at least to the second round here.