Kevin Anderson v Illya Marchenko

Kevin Anderson produced some big serving and solid performances in Atlanta last week where he reached the semi final, losing to the bigger-serving John Isner in three sets. The South African defeated Janko Tipsarevic and Lukas Lacko on his way. His Ukrainian opponent in Los Angeles is Illya Marchenko who was dispatched in the second round at the same event last week, to Xavier Malisse. He’s not the worse player in the world in these tournaments, but hasn’t picked up more than two victories in any all year. I don’t see him forcing too many break point opportunities on Anderson’s serve and that will be the key to this match.

Pick: Kevin Anderson

Leonardo Mayer v James Blake

James Blake is anything but a safe choice in tennis, and is one player I haven’t backed as favourite for years. The American who was tipped for the top more than a decade ago when he turned pro has never lived up to his expectations. Now he is playing in all the tournaments to pick up prize money before he calls it a day. Without a singles title in nearly 3 years, he looked anything but a champion in his first round defeat to Taylor Dent last week. This time he faces a clay court opponent in Leo Mayer. An opportunity for the American to pick up a victory in his own country. And Blake comes into this match as the underdog. I feel on hard court and in his own country, James Blake has to produce a performance here. Not one for a large stake, but as he’s odds-against he’s worth considering.

Pick: James Blake