Posted on 5/28/2007 8:46:52 PM

Tennis Betting – French Open Preview

By Nila Amerova

Paris, France – In men’s single tennis today, no surface has played such a deciding factor as the clay underfoot. Some players have enjoyed great success on the red dirt while others have been forced to bite the dust! So challenging is the surface, the countless tennis legends have failed to triumph on it.

As such, the story of the French Open will inevitably be scripted by the red dirt as much as by the black and white stats on paper.

Rafael Nadal - Rafael Nadal holds a record winning streak of 81 matches on clay. Unquestionably, Nadal is an indomitable force on clay, and despite suffering his first loss on clay in two years, he is still the King of Clay. He understands the intricacies of the red dirt, and his aggressive all-court game on clay relentless and punishing. Two-time defending champion Nadal is vying for his third title at the French Open. Bet on Nadal for the hat trick without a second thought.

Roger Federer – A lot has been said about Federer’s victory in Hamburg, particularly as it was secured with the defeat of his nemeses on clay – Rafael Nadal. In terms of its significance, bold predictions have been made with respect Federer’s odds to win the French Open – a Grand Slam title that has eluded him thus far in his career.

While his first victory on clay against Nadal bodes well for his French Open odds, it is by no means an indication of certainty that he is fated to replicate his success should he face Nadal in the final.

Without taking away from his historic victory in Hamburg, the fact is that Federer’s record against Nadal is 4 -7. Moreover, fate has not been kind to Federer in the draw. En route to the final, he would first have to conquer potential challengers in his quarter - former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero; former number one Marat Safin; talented Mikhail Youzhny; No.7 Tommy Robredo; and FilippoVolandri, who defeated him at the Masters Series in Rome.

 

Should Federer overcome his quarter, in the semifinals he could face Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Gonzalez, Guillermo Canas or top ranked Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

With so many obstacles impeding his path to the final, Federer will have his work cut out for him.

Also eager to make a significant statement at this Grand Slam event on the men’s side is a blend of veteran players and young rising stars.

Novak Djokovic – From the pool of young contenders, Djokovic is the de facto favorite for an impressive run at the French Open. While clay is not his favorite surface, he did claim the Estoril Open title in Portugal. Djokovic is a good play for a possible semifinal berth.

Richard Gasquet – The hopes of a nation sit on this young mans shoulders. Home soil advantage can play a huge factor in Gasquet’s possible advance.

Guillermo Canas – A relentless Canas holds a lot of potential. His impressive victories on hard court against Federer have made him infamous. At the very least Canas is a good bet for a quarterfinal berth.

Nicolas Almagro – With clay surface one of his strongest surfaces, Almagro is a sound play, even if he might not be everyone’s choice bet.

Fernando Gonzalez – Another clay court specialist, Gonzalez is a real candidate for the semifinal.

Indeed Federer and Nadal’s rivalry is the foreword to the French Open. Federer is hoping for his first title while Nadal is vying for his third title in Paris. Nevertheless, with the men’s tour deep with talent a Federer vs. Nadal final is not yet a foregone conclusion.

Federer might be winning everything these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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