Posted on 4/25/2008 7:47:41 PM

Tennis Free Picks - Monte Carlo Masters - Nadal vs. Davydenko

By Nila Amerova

Monte Carlo, Monaco – BetUS is offering matchup odds and props on the semi-final encounter between Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko at the ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo. With the two sports betting optionson the market, here is a breakdown of their clash in the final four with tennis free picks for bettors to consider when wagering on this blockbuster showdown.

Tennis Betting Line: Nikolay Davydenko +400 Rafael Nadal -700

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday, April 26, 2008

Analysis: Before the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Davydenko had never beaten Rafael Nadal in a tournament in two tries: in 2006, Nadal beat Davydenko at the Tennis Masters Cup (hard) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 and in 2007, at the ATP Master Series Rome, en route to the title, Nadal defeated Davydenko in the semis 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-4. But in his third attempt last month, at the Miami Masters, Davydenko topped the World No.2 in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

The 2-1 lifetime record between the two is close not only with match wins, but also in the score line of their matches – well perhaps not so much in their last encounter. Nevertheless, if their record were an indication, then they will have another close contest in tomorrow’s semi-final.

Nadal -700 Nadal is the odds-on-favourite to win his fourth consecutive title in Monte Carlo. The stakes are high for the 21-year-old Spaniard, as his performance here will spill over into the coming months of the clay-court season, leading up to the French Open.

Nadal reaches the semis with emphatic victories over Mario Ancic (6-0,6-3), Juan Carlos Ferrero (6-4, 6-1) and David Ferrer (6-1, 7-5). Only a victory separates Nadal for a prime position in the final movement in Monte Carlo, a vantage point from which he would gun for his historic fourth title here.

Djokovic +400 To be certain, few expected Davydenko to beat Nadal in Miami, but with the victory firmly achieved, Davydenko’s underdog odds would appear to be more tempting than ever before. But the victory over Nadal notwithstanding, this is Nadal’s turf; that is, no indication of any willingness to relinquish his stranglehold on the clay-court season imminent, Davydenko remains a long shot bet.

Betting Verdict: In terms of betting on this straight up match up line, Nadal remains the better play. He will continue to be so, until such a time, when Nadal’s domination on clay suffers under a serious challenge.

Tennis Free Pick: Nadal (-700) in straight sets

Tennis Props: Nikolay Davydenko (1st Set) +300 Rafael Nadal (1st Set) -500

Aside from betting on the money line, tennis bettors have some fun options to bet on with tennis prop betting. In this betting option, Nadal is tipped at -500 to win the first set, while Davydenko opens at +300.

As this is Nadal’s second shot at Davydenko this year, after losing to him miserably in Miami, I expect Nadal to come out fighting. With this his best surface, he should take the initiative and seize the first set.

Tennis Prop Pick: Nadal at -500

BetUS Sportsbook is taking action on the French Open with the men’s French Open Futures. Check out the futures odds and start betting on the second Grand Slam of the year now!

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