Dominik Hrbaty looks likely to beat Jose Acasuso in their Round 2 match up in the Heineken Open in Auckland. Hrbaty won this open last year and in 2002, and should be full of confidence after his terrific performance in the Hopman Cup last week, where he won all four of his singles hardcourt matches without losing a set. Acasuso is much more comfortable on clay (slower pace), whereas Hrbaty can play just as good on either clay or hardcourt, though he has played mostly on hardcourt over the last year. In 2004, Acasuso played just 3 matches on hardcourt and lost all of them.

ATP Ranking:
Hrbaty = 20
Acasuso = 66

Overall singles record through until the end of 2004:
Hrbaty = 265-225
Acasuso = 60-66

Hardcourt record:
Hrbaty = 108-91 overall until end of 2004 / 30-12 in 2004
Acasuso = 6-18 overall until end of 2004 / 0-3 in 2004

The 2 times Hrbaty and Acasuso have played one another, both contests were fought on clay, and the outcomes were split one match each.

Final match on clay at Biella, Italy
6/10/2002
Hrbaty 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4

Round 16 on clay at Sopot, Poland
7/22/2002
Acasuso 2-6 4-6

I think Hrbaty will prove too strong for Acasuso on the hardcourt. Considering the great form Hrbaty is in right now, and taking into account Acasuso's poor hardcourt record, I wouldn't be surprised if Hrbaty wins in straight sets in this match-up.