Posted on 6/7/2007 7:05:30 PM

Tennis Betting – French Open Semifinals – Federer vs. Davydenko

By Nila Amerova

Paris, France -- One victory away from a chance to vie for the French Open title that has eluded him thus far, No. 1 Roger Federer is trying to become the sixth man to win all four Grand Slam events. “If he wins the French Open, he’ll be the greatest player of all time,” said John McEnroe of Federer.

 

No surface has played such a deciding factor as clay. Some players have enjoyed great success, while others have been frustrated by it. So demanding is the surface at Roland Garros that countless legends have failed to triumph in Paris, including McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, and Stephan Edberg.

As challenging playing on clay can be, Federer caught a lucky break in the draw. Guillermo Canas had loomed as a menacing possibility in the semifinal, but when Nikolay Davydenko dispatched Canas in the quarterfinal round, Federer’s good fortune was too good to be true.

Roger Federer -900 Nikolay Davydenko +450

Tennis Prediction: – As you savor the odds for this semifinal matchup, the question that begs answering is not whether Federer can win, but whether Davydenko can orchestrate the upset.

Simply, the resounding answer is No!

Federer holds a lifetime record of 8-0 against Davydenko. Going into this match on Friday, June 8th, there is no doubt that Federer is in good shape to advance to the final. Strengthening his -900 price tag is his recent victory on clay in Hamburg against his nemises Rafael Nadal.

After going four tournaments without a title and losing to Filippo Volandri in Rome, Federer was all but written-off. Well, not exactly. But, to Federer’s standards, which are above the standards of mere mortals, he was in a slump. His victory in Hamburg against Nadal restored his confidence and it is showing all over the court as well as in his odds.

With the seemingly pre-ordained Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer rivalry one victory away from unfolding in Paris, the stakes in the semifinal round could not be higher.

 

While for most players, simply winning the French Open title is a prize in itself, for Federer and Nadal the stakes go beyond that single entity.

For Federer and Nadal, passage into the final round at Roland Garros will yield an opportunity for either one to cement themselves in history. For Federer, the French Open title would complete a career Grand Slam (winning all four Grand Slam titles at least once at any point in time); for two-time defending champion Nadal, the French Open title would complete a hat trick in Paris.

In light of this historical context, Davydenko hasn’t got a prayer. In this his ninth attempt against Federer, Davydenko, at +450, will be hard-pressed to deny Federer his coveted prize.

Tennis Free Picks: - Although Davydenko is known for his excellent return game, Federer will dictate this match to its forgone conclusion.

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