Viktor Troicki takes on Denis Istomin in the second round of the Malaysian Open on Thursday.
Troicki is aiming to join close friend and compatriot Novak Djokovic in the top ten for the first time with some strong performances over the remainder of the season. It has not been the best of summers for the Serb who lost first round at the US Open before Serbia's Davis Cup hopes went up in smoke with a semi-final defeat to Argentina.
He's hoping to get back on track this week, receiving a first round bye as second seed and now he takes on the powerful Istomin who ousted qualifier Marinko Matosevic 6-3, 6-2 earlier in the week.
The Uzbek had a rough time on the tour earlier this year but he's built up confidence over the past month, winning three challenger titles in his native country. He's currently on an eleven match winning streak and his confidence is sky high going into this clash.
The head-to-head stands at 1-1 but surprisingly enough Istomin won the last one 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-2 in New Haven last year.
Given Troicki's current indifferent form, do not be surprised if Istomin pulls off the upset.
