posted August 9, 2007 at 19:33 in Tennis Free Picks

Montreal, Canada – Tennis betting in the top half of the draw, Radek Stepanek (+150) upset favorite Tommy Haas (-200) 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 to secure his berth in the quarterfinal round. Next up for the quirky Czech Stepanek is Nikolay Davydenko. Davydenko (-110) topped compatriot Mikhail Youzhny (-130) 7-6(8), 6-3.

Radek Stepanek vs. Nikolay Davydenko

Tennis Prediction: – This should be the most evenly matched of the quarterfinal matches at the Rogers Cup. Stepanek, who currently ranks 60th in the ATP rankings is a much better player than his current ranking would suggest. After an injury sidelined Stepanek for well over four months in the latter half of the 2006 season, Stepanek fell in the ranking.

Stepanek takes into the quarterfinal match a 21/16 record for the season and one ATP title (Los Angeles). In comparison, Davydenko brings a slightly better record for the season at 35/21, but no ATP titles in 2007.

Tied at 3 in head-to-heads, all of which are comprised of close matches on hard, clay and carpet, the odds are even for either Stepanek or Davydenko to advance. It is interesting to note that the last two meetings between Stepanek and Davydenko went the way of the former. The last time Davydenko defeated Stepanek was in 2004.

Davydenko, who recently was investigated in a betting scandal, has shown no signs of being affected by the brouhaha that preceded him at the Rogers Cup. Overcoming the tough challenge of Jarkko Nieminen in the second round and following up with an even tougher contest against Youzhny is evidence of his focus.

Moreover, Davydenko has shown no signs of suffering any of the foot problems that started the whole fuss last week about a betting fix in one of his matches at the Orange Prokom Open. With his form seemingly in good condition, the fourth seeded Davydenko is a good bet for a berth in the semifinal.

By all indications, their first meeting in 2007, should be a close contest. Davydenko arrived at the start of the tournament with a chip on his shoulder, determined to clear his name of any wrongdoing by playing some of his best tennis. All fired-up he holds an emotional advantage.

In terms of surface, Stepanek holds the advantage. This is his third US Open warm-up event, whereas for Davydenko the Rogers Cup marks his US Open series debut.

Tennis Free Pick: – Stepanek in three sets.

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