Posted on 4/18/2008 6:06:29 PM

Tennis Betting - VI Open de Tenis Odds - Ferrer vs. Robredo

By Nila Amerova

Valencia, Spain – The VI Open de Tenis takes one step closer towards the final movement of the tournament with the semifinal round on Saturday, April 19, 2008. A great opportunity for online tennis bettors to hone their betting skills before the French Open in May, follow the final four in Valencia, Spain as they face-off for a place in the final of this European clay court event on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

Tennis Betting Line: David Ferrer vs.Tommy Robredo

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday April 19, 2008

Analysis: World No. 5 David Ferrer of Spain, the tournament’s top seed, advanced into the semi-finals in Valencia on the heels of a relatively convincing performance. In the first two rounds, Ferrer was barely challenged by compatriots Ivan Navarro and qualifier Pablo Andujar, defeating them in straight sets by the same score 6-3, 6-4. In the quarterfinal, Ferrer dropped his first set of the tournament against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco; but he quickly recovered from his second set hiccup to eke out Verdasco in the third 6-3, 1-6, 7-5.

In reaching his first semifinal of an ATP draw event, Ferrer improves to a 14-6 mark for the year. Prior to the VI Open de Tenis, Ferrer’s best results were three quarterfinal appearances – Auckland, Australian Open, and Dubai.

No.18 Tommy Robredo has struck a barely audible note this season and arrived in Valencia with an underwhelming 4-6 mark for the year. The Barcelona native struggled considerably during the hard court portion of the season, failing to put forth his best. Now that the ATP Tour enters the clay court swing, Robredo’s game has seen a turnaround. Reaching the final four in his home event is case-and-point.

In spite of his lacklustre season, he is a good play for the victory against Ferrer. Clay is his favorite surface; lifetime, the pair are level at 1-1. A close look at their record reveals that Robredo owns the victory on clay (AMS Hamburg 2006) and Ferrer the hard court win (Auckland 2007).

So when handicapping this matchup, Robredo is the player I believe who has the slightest edge. Home court advantage is cancelled out in this all-Spanish affair. So with the crowd supporting both players, the advantage comes down to surface. Robredo owns that edge. But Ferrer is a great clay courter as well (although recently he has been better on hard) and gave Robredo a tough match in Hamburg two years ago. I expect he will do the same tomorrow.

The only factor going against Robredo is a questionable confidence in his game. Has he put his dismal season behind him? Can he believe he can win and reach the final? If his mental form is fragile, Ferrer will seize the opportunity. However, should Robredo dig deep, he can persevere. More likely than not, Ferrer is the better play. Nevertheless, I cast my wager on Robredo.

Tennis Free Picks: Robredo in three sets

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