Analysis for Safin-Isner (ATP Indian Wells)

Head-to-head record 1:0

American bomber John Isner will play Russian hero Marat Safin in the third 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 which is 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. 2009 hasn’t been very successful for Isner so far. He qualified for the singles draw of the 2009 Heineken Open, after winning three consecutive three-set matches in qualifying. In the main draw, Isner beat Albert Montanes and countryman Robby Ginepri before bowing out in the quarter-finals. Then he received a wild card entry into the 2009 Australian Open. However, despite serving 39 aces against his first-round opponent, Slovakia's Dominik Hrbaty, he was downed in four sets. At the 2009 Indian Wells tournament, Isner pulled off a major upset by defeating the number 9 seed, rising French player and junior superstar Gael Monfils. Isner rallied back after falling in the first set to defeat Monfils. He was also impressive in the first round against Rochus and we think he is not far from his life-time best at the moment. He has always played his best in front of his home crowd and with the self confidence he must have from his first two matches, he could be dangerous for inconsistent Russian as well. Safin is one of the most talented player of this decade but the lack of consistency is described as Safin's ultimate weakness. He is known for his emotional outbursts during matches, and has smashed numerous rackets. With Marat you never know but it seems he is not fully focused on tennis anymore. He has said that he will most likely retire from professional tennis after the 2009 season which indicates he already has other priorities in his life. If American serves well, we will probably see a very tight match in which anything can happen and Isner´s odds around 2 are worth considering for us.