Resurgent Melzer can cause Daniel problems

Jurgen Melzer looks as if he is well and truly back after his exploits in the Davis Cup for Austria at the weekend and the veteran could cause Taro Daniel problems in their Generali Open first-round clash.

Melzer, who was ranked eighth in the world in 2011, is one of the world’s finest match-players and while he can be considered to upset the Japanese novice, the 4-6 that the 35-year-old wins at least a set looks well worth a bet.

Daniel is a decent prospect and will battle for all he’s worth, but Melzer will have plenty of pride playing in his homeland and it will be disappointing, following his five-set victory over Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko in Kiev on Sunday, if he goes down to Daniel in straight sets.