Posted on 5/18/2007 3:49:33 PM

Bet On Tennis – ATP Hamburg - Federer vs. Moya

By Nila Amerova

Hamburg, Germany – World No. 1 Roger Federer, with a shaky performance, clinched a spot in the semifinal at the Masters Series in Hamburg.

Federer, who held a career 6-0 record against No. 12 David Ferrer at the start of the match, struggled with his game throughout. A set and 4-2 up was squandered by a wavering serve and a series of flailing forehands, allowing Ferrer to level the match, before scraping the victory in three sets 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Federer who is aiming for his fourth Hamburg title, will meet Carlos Moya in the semifinals. Moya earned his place after upsetting fourth seed Novak Djokovic in a spectacular three set marathon 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-5.

The 19-year-old Djokovic and 30-year-old Moya traded groundstrokes in a nail-biting quarterfinal match that saw many lead changes. In the end, the veteran Moya persevered, as Djokovic erred himself out of the match.

With the semifinal showdown scheduled between Carlos Moya and Roger Federer on Saturday, May 19th, let us look at the tennis odds that are shaping up with BetUS.com Sportsbook.

Carlos Moya vs. Roger Federer

Tennis Prediction: Federer holds a 6-0 record against No. 36 Carlos Moya. At the start of the year, Federer was poised to replicate his spectacular 2006 season and betting against him would have been outrageous. However, a series of surprise losses on hard court followed by a shaky clay court season finds Federer on the longest stretch without a title since becoming the world No. 1 player in 2004.

With Federer aiming for his first French Open Grand Slam title, the stakes are high in this precursory tournament. While betting on Federer is not the certainty it may have been at the start of the season - particularly on clay surface - the No.1 ranked player in the world is still a good play.

Of course, after upsetting the hottest young player on the tour – Djokovic – the odds for Moya in this semifinal match are much improved. Moya, a top-ranked player at one time, has a solid clay court game and, as such, he will prove to be tough opponent for the struggling Federer. Not a long shot by any means, Moya just might be moved to orchestrate another upset in Hamburg.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer should persevere.

Federer might be winning everything these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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