Posted on 4/10/2008 5:31:01 PM

Davis Cup Tennis Betting -Russia vs. Czech Republic

By Nila Amerova

Moscow, Russia – The Davis Cup quarterfinal ties, which are set to kick-off on Friday, April 11, 2008, offer tennis bettors a unique tennis betting thrill, as individual tennis players come together as a national team for the celebrated tournament that is contested in knockout format. The Davis Cup is the ultimate international team event in men’s tennis, pitting nation against nation, in a battle for national glory – so with this exciting tennis-betting prospect almost upon us, here is look at the first of the four matchups in the final eight: Russia vs. Czech Republic

Russia vs. Czech Republic

Match Time: Friday April 11 – Sunday April 13, 2008

Moscow, Russia

Analysis: Russia has lifted the coveted Davis Cup twice in the tournaments 105-year history (2002 and 2006). Last year, they finished runner-up, when they failed to defend their title against a USA team that had not won the title in 12 years – the longest Davis Cup drought in USA’s illustrious history at this event.

This year, Russia returns to Davis Cup action with a star-studded team that includes No.4 Nikolay Davydenko (who is coming off his recent big triumph at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami) and No. 11 Mikhail Youzhny (who won the title in Chennai at the start of the season). A surprise addition to the Russian team comes in the reinstatement of former World No.1 Marat Safin – who sat out during Russia’s Davis Cup defence campaign last year but was prominent in their 2006-Cup victory. Even more astonishing is Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev’s decision to name Marat Safin as the front man for Russia’s singles action on the opening day, alongside wingman Igor Andreev, pairing his two top players – Davydenko and Youzhny – in doubles action scheduled for Saturday.

The move to play Safin in the first rubber against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic comes as a surprise for several reasons. In Davydenko and Youzhny, he has two proven stars this season, but Tarpischev has turned to two-time Grand Slam champion Safin. Safin has been struggling lately in tournament play, crashing out of tournaments earlier than expected, winning only one match this year – a circumstance that has seen his ranking slip significantly from the Top 20 to his current No.87 ranking. Moreover, Safin has also never played No. 9 Tomas Berdych in an ATP level tournament.

Captain Shamil Tarpischev is known on the Davis Cup circuit as one of the games master tacticians. This move may very well be another example of his shrewd machinations, or not? Only hindsight will tell whether Russia’s gamble will pay off.

Russia has not been beaten on home turf since 1995. If the Czech Republic emerges into the final four, they will have achieved a feat last accomplished by the great Pete Sampras in the final rubber. The odds will be against the Czechs, with few expecting them to achieve the intimidating feat of beating the Russians at home.

Betting Verdict: Tomas Berdych arrives in Moscow fresh of a semi-final run at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami and Stepanek brings a wealth of tournament experience. Despite Safin’s recent tournament woes, he should be up for the challenge. Stepanek will have to rely on his experience against Andreev in the second match. All four players have solid clay court games, therefore the red clay does not give either side a deciding advantage. If there were an advantage, then home court edge will prove to be the decider. But the pressure falls solely on Russia’s shoulders to win before a partisan crowd.

Friday

Marat Safin (RUS) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Igor Andreev (RUS) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)

Saturday

Nikolay Davydenko/Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) v Lukas Dlouhy/Pavel Vizner (CZE)

Sunday

Igor Andreev (RUS) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Marat Safin (RUS) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)

Davis Cup Free Picks: Russia to win

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