Posted on 6/7/2007 8:18:09 PM

Tennis Betting – French Open Semifinals - Nadal vs. Djokovic

By Nila Amerova

Paris, France – Two-time defending champion, No. 2 Rafael Nadal is on course to go all the way to the French Open final. However, before the clay court King can take centre stage on Sunday, June 10th, he must first tackle the challenge of No. 5 Novak Djokovic in the semifinal.

 

With the semifinals at Roland Garros kicking-off on Friday June 8th, let us look at the odds that are shaping up for Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic with BetUS.com Sportsbook.

Novak Djokovic +650 Rafael Nadal -1400

Tennis Prediction: – In the last two years, Rafael Nadal has ruthlessly reigned the clay court season, relinquishing nothing and setting a record winning streak on any surface at 81 consecutive matches. Rafa is indomitable. No stranger to grinding out points on the gritty, red dirt of Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal is relentless. Nadal fights for each and every point and, with his punishing running forehand, he whips the ball cross-court, down the line or any which way, leaving his opponents in a wake of dust.

Although Nadal’s next hurdle will not be surpassed as easily as the odds would suggest, at -1400, betting on Nadal for a third consecutive final appearance in France is the sure play.

For those that have a penchant for underdogs, Novak Djokovic, at +650, is a tempting wager to make, particularly if banking on his underdog status pays out. However, the question is: can Djokovic defeat Nadal on the surface on which he reigns supreme?

 

Arguably, Djokovic is one of the most complete players on the tour and may even give Nadal a good run for the victory. However, hyperbole aside, Nadal is simply too good on clay. Nadal holds a 3-1 record over Djokovic and, although Djokovic defeated Nadal in Miami, the victory was secured on hardcourt while Nadal was suffering a mild foot injury – an injury that in fact resulted in his pulling out of Spain’s Davis Cup team.

Moreover, for Nadal, the significance of this match and this tournament tips the balance in his favor. The bottom line is that Nadal stands to script history in Paris. Bidding to become only the second man since the Open Era began in 1968 to win three consecutive French Open titles, Nadal’s stake in this match is much higher. It is hard to imagine Djokovic besting him.

Tennis Free Picks: – Nadal to wear down Djokovic in three sets.

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.