Robin Soderling takes on Michael Berrer in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open tonight.
Soderling has enjoyed a stunning start to 2011, winning three titles already and the Swede could be closing in on the top four soon if he continues his rapid start to the season. He does have much to defend this month after reaching the semi-finals in both Indian Wells and Miami last year.
Soderling arrives in the States fresh from helping Sweden to Davis Cup victory over Russia and his confidence will be at an all-time high right now.
Berrer can be an awkward opponent with his big lefty serve but he's at his most effective indoors where his volleying ability and heavy slices come to the fore. Outdoors he's not the same proposition which is why he's never been higher than 42 in the rankings (he currently lies at 78).
Soderling beat him comfortably 6-3, 7-6 in Brisbane at the start of 2011 and should enjoy another straight sets win.
