Posted on 10/12/2007 8:21:15 PM

Tennis Betting: Kremlin Cup Semifinals Picks Mathieu vs. Berrer

By Nila Amerova

Moscow, Russia – The semifinal of the Kremlin Cup kicks off on Saturday, October 13, 2007. In the bottom half of the draw, Paul-Henri Mathieu, favored at -285 with BetUS Sportsbook prepares to take on Michael Berrer (+195) .

Kremlin Cup Semifinal Pick:

Tennis Line: Paul-Henri Mathieu -285 Michael Berrer +195

Match Time: 03:00 A.M. EST

Tennis Prediction: No. 72 Michael Berrer arrives at his first ATP tournament semifinal. Thus far, his best result this season has been an ATP quarterfinal – in Los Angeles (hard) and 's-Hertogenbosch (grass). Prior to coming to Moscow, Berrer played in Grenoble, France - a Challenger event – where he reached the semifinal.

Berrer enjoyed a modest performance during the US Open Series. After advancing into the quarterfinals in Los Angeles, Berrer followed-up with two R16 exits in Indianapolis and Washington and a R64 exit at the US Open.

While Berrer’s results were modest by anyone’s standards, competing in five hard court tournaments since the summer has helped Berrer to prepare and adjust his hard court game. In the quarterfinal, Berrer upset one of the favorites in the tournament – the second seed Mikhail Youzhny.

At +195 underdog odds, Berrer is not a sure bet, but having banked on his underdog status once, can he do so again?

Berrer arrived in Kremlin with a 10/10 record for the season. His advance into the semifinals improved his record to 13/10. Since turning professional in 1999, Berrer has not won a single ATP title. Betting on Berrer is chancy.

Favored at -285, Mathieu is a good play for the win. Taking into his match a 41/20 record for the season and two ATP titles (both on clay), Mathieu’s odds offer better value on the money line.

Before arriving in Moscow, No.24 Mathieu was on a bit of a losing streak. In the last three tournaments, Mathieu crashed out in the first round: at the 2007 US Open, Mathieu lost to No.34 Fernando Verdasco, at the Kingfisher Airline Open, he lost to No. 130 Nicolas Kiefer and last week, a the Open de Mosele, he lost No.62 Julien Benneteau.

One victory away from the Kremlin Cup final, can Mathieu continue his winning streak?

Tennis Free Pick: Mathieu in three sets.

Federer might be winning everything except clay 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.