Posted on 1/22/2008 4:28:09 PM

Men’s Australian Open Quarterfinal Betting – Djokovic vs. Ferrer

By Eric Williams

My boy, World No. 3, Novak Djokovic, takes on World No. 5 David Ferrer tonight in a match that promises to be absolutely electrifying between two of the top five men’s players on the face of the planet.

Here is a brief look at each player, followed by my Australian Open Free ATP Pick.

Analysis: Djokovic hasn’t lost a set during his run to the quarterfinals and looked very impressive in dispatching Lleyton Hewitt in his fourth round match, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 after Hewitt put on quite a performance in beating Marcos Baghdatis just one round earlier.

The 21-year-old Djokovic reached the fourth round at last year’s Aussie Open before going on to reach the semifinal round at the French Open and Wimbledon before reaching the finals at the U.S. Open against Roger Federer where he lost despite a valiant effort.

Ferrer was pushed to four sets in his last match before conquering World No. 22 Juan Carlos Ferrero, 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.

While I will admit that I have gained a lot of respect after watching Ferrer last year, I don’t think he can contend with Djokovic’s wonderful all-around game, which is still blossoming.

Though he won’t go quietly, I still expect Djokovic to dispatch Ferrer in four sets, tops.

Free Pick: Novak Djokovic

10:00 PM EST

David Ferrer +4½ -130

Novak Djokovic -4½ -110

Over 39 -130

Under 39 -110

ATP Australian Open Qtr Finals