Aussie Open Day 1 picks
By Charles Bricker
(13) Radek Stepanek (-220) vs. Ivo Karlovic (+201)
The Worm vs. 6-foot-10 Karlovic and his record-smashing serves. Stepanek is off to his usual good start, but so is Ivo, who lost in the third round at Doha to Nikolay Davydenko without yielding a break point. This is an excellent match with which to forge some early betting dollars. On one of the quicker courts, go with Karlovic to provide an early-tournament upset.
Pick: Karlovic
(25) Aravane Rezai (-421) vs. Sania Mirza (+373)
The outspoken Indian is working her way back from injury and is at No. 58. Everyone knows she has a world of talent and, if this were six months into the season, I'd like her in this matchup. But it's not and Rezai is playing well. Most tennis fans want to see Mirza back on top, but she's carrying too much rust here. The French/Iranian moves into the second round.
Pick: Rezai
(33) John Isner (-195) vs. Andreas Seppi (+179)
Isner has so much to play for here. To begin with, his first Aussie Open win after two first-round losses. Next, a possible spot on the Davis Cup team with Andy Roddick and James Blake not playing. He just won Auckland, so he'll bring momentum against the sort of player he doesn't like confronting. Seppi is smart, able to change up. The Italian is at No. 49, but he's in against a hot player.
Pick: Isner
Feliciano Lopez (-190) vs. Pablo Cuevas (+174)
First time meeting between veteran lefty Lopez and a young and improving Uruguayan. A Cuevas win here would be a mild upset, but I'm on board for it. Neither man has played a lead-up match to the Aussie Open, so I wouldn't expect this to be scintillating tennis. I like Cuevas' young legs over Lopez's big serving and mediocre backcourt game.
Pick: Cuevas