Posted on 4/25/2008 7:51:01 PM

Monte Carlo Masters Semi-final Tennis Picks - Federer vs. Djokovic

By Nila Amerova

Monte Carlo, Monaco – The online tennis betting community received its second chance of the year to bet on the budding rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the second instalment of the semi-final round at the ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo when both players won their respective quarterfinal encounters. Federer topped arch rival David Nalbandian, coming back from a set down to win 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile, Djokovic easily dismissed Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-0.

Saturday’s prelude to the final movement of the Monte Carlo Masters features all four top seeds, marking the first time since the 1999 Cincinnati Masters when all four top seeds advanced into the semi-final and promises some exciting tennis betting action for the BetUS Sports betting community. So with two blockbuster cards set for Saturday, April 26, 2008, (the other semi is between Davydenko vs. Nadal), which player will advance into the final? Care to bet on it?

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -110 Novak Djokovic -130

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday, April 26, 2008

Analysis: Federer’s path to the final runs through Novak Djokovic, a matchup that sees Federer for the second time tipped at marginally less favoured odds than Novak Djokovic, yet again, questioning his ability to advance in the tournament and contest for the title in Monte Carlo. Faith in Federer has never been so low. His odds never so weak!

Federer -110 True Federer got off to a shaky start in Monte Carlo, first tested by qualifier Hidalgo in his opening match. But then Federer went on to regain his form against Gael Monfils in the R16 and beat arch rival David Nalbandian in the quarterfinals. At -110 odds, Federer is a steal, because in spite of his recent woes, he has bounce-back-ability! Federer has an opportunity here to avenge his Australian Open loss to Djokovic. Don’t be fooled by his stoic and quiet on court manners, Federer cares and there is nothing he would love better than to avenge that loss.

Djokovic -130 There is no question Djokovic had Federer’s number in Melbourne, but will he have it again tomorrow. Throughout the tournament, Djokovic ( Nadal as well) has not dropped a set, and advances into the final four on the heels of impressive victories. He defeated Ljubicic 6-3, 6-3, before going on to hold his next two opponents—Murray and Querrey— at love in one set each.

Betting Verdict: This will be a tough match to bet on. The market trend will probably lean towards the rising star – Djokovic, but I have to pick Federer.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Props: Roger Federer (1st Set) -120 Novak Djokovic (1st Set) -120

As the line indicates, this will be a tight match with most likely the player winning the first set to win the match. Since I like Federer to take the match I have to go with the same pick for the first set.

So there you have it, a nice short break down for you of some of the exciting tennis betting options available at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start betting on tennis!

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