Federer will face Denis Istomin in a match that is scheduled to start in about an hour (subject to change).
Roger Federer will be back in action on Wednesday at the Cincinnati Masters, a tournament that the Swiss Maestro won in 2009. Federer appears to be motivated for the title defence and he was on form in Toronto as he fought through a tough draw that included Tomas Berdych and Novak Djokovic to make it to the final.
Federer will face Denis Istomin in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters, a qualifier and a player who is having a pretty decent season so far in 2010.
Some might remember Istomin as the player who nearly eliminated Berdych from Wimbledon 2010 as he, Istomin, held a 2 sets to 1 lead over the eventual finalist as early as the third round. Berdych came back and won that match in 5 sets but Istomin, who is 23, is still ranked 53rd in the world – his career high ranking and he appears to be mid-ascension.
Federer has faced Istomin once before, that being a Grand Slam match from the 2006 Australian Open and the Swiss Maestro won in straight sets. Istomin promises to be more of a challenge this time around although few are giving him any credit against Federer.
bet365 have Istomin at +550 (11/2) to win straight up while Federer is priced at -1000 (1/10).
In an alternative market Federer is priced at -300 (1/3) to win in precisely straight sets and that seems like a much more sensible bet and it is our recommendation.