Posted on 5/15/2008 4:57:40 PM

Talking Tennis Betting - Hamburg Picks Djokovic and Montanes

By Nila Amerova

Hamburg, Germany – At the close of third round tennis betting action at the Hamburg Masters, as was expected in the online betting circles at BetUS sportsbook, Novak Djokovic emerged into the final eight of his quarter. Earning the place opposite the World No.3 is Albert Montanes. So with the quarterfinal billing of Djokovic vs. Montanes set, here is a breakdown of their match up complete with fast facts, stats and tennis sports betting free picks.

Tennis Betting Line: Novak Djokovic vs. Albert Montanes

Match Time: 05:00 Am Eastern Time, Friday May 16, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: This is the first-ever career meeting between World No.3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia and No.78 Albert Montanes

Novak Djokovic Winner of the Australian Open, the Indian Wells Masters and the Rome Masters, Djokovic has had an incredible year to say the least. Intent on gate-crashing the elite duo of Federer and Nadal, sooner than later, Djokovic is closing in on the pair in rankings, possibly even set to overtake the No.2 rank in the very near future – like perhaps next week. All rests on his performance in Hamburg whether he will overtake the Spaniard, who has played second fiddle to Federer in the rankings since summer 2005.

Albert Montanes Predominantly a clay court player, Albert Montanes is one of several players who emerge from obscurity during the clay season, only to fade away once the tour turns to another surface. Entering the Hamburg draw, the unseeded Montanes is one of three unseeded players in the final eight (the other two being Seppi and Kiefer). Montanes opened his Hamburg campaign with a win over Mardy Fish, followed by victories over Jose Acasuso and Janko Tipsarevic. Montanes is certainly not a big name in tennis, but he has enjoyed encouraging results on clay – namely a quarterfinal run in Barcelona.

Betting Verdict: So is there any credence to his Montanes game. Montanes has a lot going for him now, but he is not exactly earning his first shot against a top elite player at the most opportune moment. Djokovic is bent on gate-crashing the top two duo of Federer and Nadal, and insinuate himself either between the two or heck- even above them. In the midst of a great season, with three major titles –one of which was his first-ever major clay court title, Djokovic would appear to be unstoppable. Frankly, I do not expect Montanes can stop him.

Tennis Free Picks: Djokovic in straight sets

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