posted August 10, 2007 at 14:34 in Tennis Free Picks

Montreal, Canada – In the bottom half of the draw, third seed Novak Djokovic was the first player to confirm his place in the quarterfinal round with a win over David Nalbandian. World No.4 Djokovic needed only 69 minutes to dismiss 2003 Rogers Cup finalist Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3.

With his victory, Djokovic improved to 49/12 for the season, second only to Rafael Nadal 58/8 in match wins.

Securing his place opposite Novak Djokovic with a 400th ATP career match win over Marcos Baghdatis was the fifth seed Andy Roddick. (World No.3 Roddick is the eighth active player to join the 400 Club.) Roddick easily dominated Baghdatis, clinching the victory in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.

Andy Roddick vs. Novak Djokovic

Tennis Prediction: – This matchup is shaping up to be one of the best matchups in terms of the balance in merit, talent, strength and value of both Roddick and Djokovic. Ranked in succession in the ATP rankings No.3 Roddick and No.4 Djokovic will meet for the first time ever in tournament play. With no head-to-head record to serve as a measure between these two huge tennis talents, handicapping this match will be no mean task.

Roddick, participating in his third US Open series event, currently leads the 2007 US Open Series Lever 2000 Challenge standings. Roddick assumed the lead following his victory over wild card John Isner at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington last week.

Roddick brings into his match a 44/10 record for season, stacking up well against Djokovic with only a differential of five match wins. Roddick’s arsenal includes a formidable servethat can leave his opponents bewildered, and a power-hitting game, previously wild and one-dimensional, but under the auspices of Jimmy Connors harnessed into an effective multi-dimensional weapon.

Djokovic, is second to Nadal in ATP match wins and has captured three titles already this season - one of which was the ATP Masters Series in Miami (hard). As one of the most consistent and impressive players on the tour, Djokovic should at the very least give Roddick a real test in the quarterfinal.

Djokovic’s arsenal does not include any particularly spectacular shots. Instead, Djokovic’s strength lies in his groundstrokes and shot making. Excellent control, placement, and depth make him a player with exceptional court sense. One the best baseline grinders, Djokovic can beat Roddick if he can outwit and outwait him by trading groundstrokes, drawing Roddick in to make the mistakes.

Tennis Free Pick – Djokovic for the win in three sets.

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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.