Posted on 1/24/2008 9:46:55 PM

Australian Open Betting: Semifinal Tennis Pick – Djokovic vs. Federer

By Nila Amerova

Melbourne, Australia – What an Australian Open it has been thus far! Melbourne Park has witnessed so many upsets during the course of the Grand Slam event that one does not know where to begin analysing their import for the 2008 ATP and WTA season. On the women’s side, we witnessed Maria Sharapova’s annihilation of Jelena Jankovic and the nigh-upset of Ana Ivanovic by Daniela Hantuchova, before Ivanovic staged the valiant comeback from a set down; on the men’s side, we were awed by the phenomenal play of Tsonga, as he put on show another sensational performance, outplaying Rafael Nadal in straight sets. However, the 2008 Australian Open is not over yet, and now, as we prepare for the final matchup in the semifinal between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the question is whether the 2008 Australian Open has seen the last of surprise upsets, or is the best yet to come.

Match Time: 3:30 EASTERN TIME, Friday January 25, 2008-01-24

Tennis Betting Line:

Roger Federer -4½ -110 -325 Over 39½ -135

Novak Djokovic +4½ -130 +210 Under 39½ -105

Roger Federer (1st Set) -225 Novak Djokovic (1st Set) +175

Tennis Prediction: In spite of the buzz surrounding Roger Federer for the first time being vulnerable, the World No.1 Federer, priced on the money line as the -325 favourite, is the better play. Any talk about his demise at this stage is premature.

Year after year, tournament after tournament, Grand Slam after Grand Slam, speculation abounds about Federer and his perch on the apex of tennis: is this the year, tournament, grand slam that will see the beginning of the end –they wonder. Will the King of Tennis after ruling the ATP rankings for 209 straight weeks finally abdicate? You would think naysayers would have learnt the error of their thinking by now, but accepted wisdom notwithstanding, Federer enters this matchup with a cloud of questions hanging over his head. Even Djokovic himself alluded to Federer’s vulnerability – suggesting the balance of power was shifting.

In competitive individual sports, confidence is a key ingredient in winning. There is nothing wrong with players believing they can win, after all, Tsonga is case-and-point proof of the power of belief.

Nevertheless, three-time Australian Open champion Federer is ready, and if the odds are an indication, the bookies have not lost faith in him either. In fact, since the money line opened yesterday, it has not moved. While the line could still move (to balance action should it go off) so far, it is safe to say, bookies and bettors are of one-mind.

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