posted October 5, 2007 at 22:16 in Tennis Free Picks

Tokyo, Japan – In the second semifinal at the AIG Japan Open Championships, Richard Gasquet prepares to take on the challenge of Tomas Berdych. Gasquet, who arrives in Tokyo after winning the Kingfisher Open Title last week in Mumbai is favored at -175 with BetUS Sportsbook.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Singles – Quarterfinals Results:

[2] T Berdych (CZE) d [8] F Verdasco (ESP) 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-5

[3] R Gasquet (FRA) d D Sela (ISR) 6-4, 6-1,

Tennis Line: Richard Gasquet -175 Tomas Berdych +135

Match Time: 02:00 AM EST

Tennis Prediction: Richard Gasquet, the third seed and World No. 13, arrives into this match favored at -175. Gasquet is a good bet in this match up. Strengthening his odds is a 43/18 record for the season, which includes one ATP title, and a 1-0 head-to-head record over No.10 Tomas Berdych.

Gasquet is enjoying an 8-match winning streak – a streak that saw him earn his lone ATP title of the season last week in Mumbai.

At the same time, Berdych as the +135 underdog holds value. On paper, Berdych’s record at 43/20, which also includes one ATP title, is comparable to Gasquet.

Gasquet and Berdych are both promising young talents that have yet to complete the maturation process and reach their full potentials. Both have much to recommend them in this match up.

In terms of surface advantage, the balance tips in favor of Berdych. Berdych’s game is well suited for the faster hard court surface. His strengths are his serve and forehand, both of which, on this fast surface, can be punishing. Gasquet, on the other hand, while better on grass, has a solid hard court game. His best shot is a one-handed backhand.

This should be an exciting semifinal, as both players have an ample arsenal of shots. Squarely stacking up against each other this match will come down to mental and physical toughness.

Berdych arrives into this semifinal after taking two hours and 26 minutes to eke out a Fernando Verdasco in the quarterfinals. Gasquet is looking to be in better shape as he finished off Dudi Sela in 69 minutes. However, should Berdych find the strength to persevere, he is the better play.

Tennis Free Pick: Berdych in three sets.

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