Analysis for Simon-Ljubicic (ATP Indian Wells)

Head-to-head record 0:1

Few weeks ago, we would probably have never said that we will be betting on Ljubicic again but this warhorse seems to be back on the scene! Tall and powerfully built, he is noted for his strong serve and has achieved his best results in indoor tournaments or fast US hardcourts. The surface here is not the fastest one but Ljubicic had nice warm-ups against Nishikori and Ancic who retired during the first set and so Ljubicic shouldn’t be so tired. He is 1-0 against Simon and we think he can improve the record today. Gilles Simon is not our favourite player and we are often betting against him. He has improved immeasurably in 2008 but he is still a bit inconsistent and often has a problems playing against offensive baseliners. Lately, he blew up in Davis Cup ties against Berdych and Stepanek and wasn’t convincing in the first round against Y-H.Lu either. If Ljubicic serves his best, it will definitely be a tight match and his odds above 3 are too high in our eyes. We don’t think the gap between these two is as wide as bookies seem to think.