Australian Open Tennis - James Blake vs Juan Martin Del Potro

US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro faces his first real test tonight in the Australian Open, as he takes on American James Blake in his second round tie. The Argentine made it through his first match in four sets, beating Michael Russell 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Blake came through his opener in straight sets, beating veteran Arnaud Clement 7-5, 7-5, 6-2.

World No. 5 Del Potro has only played Blake once, in Las Vegas in 2007, when Del Potro retired with Blake winning 6-1, 3-1. However, Del Potro had a breakthrough year in 2009, and is hot on the tail of Andy Murray`s No. 4 spot.

Del Potro is a heavy favourite for the match, priced at 1/4 (bet $40 to make $10 profit), while Blake is priced at 10/3. In terms of set betting, the favourite result is a straight sets win for the Argentine at 5/4. A 3-1 win for Del Potro is at 5/2, and a 3-2 win is at 13/2. Blake`s best hope is a 3-1 win at 10/1, while 3-2 is priced at 12/1, and 3-0 at 18/1.

The winner of this match will take on the winner of the match between Victor Troicki and Florian Mayer, and could play Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals, and either Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal in the semis. Del Potro is seen to have a decent shot at winning the title, and is fifth favourite at 15/2. Blake, largely because of his tough draw, is a big outsider at 300/1.

Blake vs Del Potro betting odds

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