BNP Paribas Quarterfinals - Tenth tone of Federer – Blake Rivalry

Paris, France – For sports bettors concerned about where Federer’s form truly lies, perhaps in reaching the quarterfinals in Paris, he has quelled some of their doubts, especially as he topped indoor guru and Lyon champion Robin Soderling and huge up-and-coming talent Marin Cilic along the way.

Both matches had been coined “blockbuster affairs”. The looming threat of the Swede and the upstart Cilic made Federer’s quarter of the draw appear intimidating – given particularly as he lost his aura of invincibility over the course of this season.

But now that he eliminated Soderling in a nail-biting opener 6-4, 7-6(7), and topped Cilic in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, we can dial back some of the fears right?

Not exactly. Next up is momentum builder James Blake who still has a slim hope of qualifying for the Masters Cup this year. The last time the two met, Blake recorded his first career victory over the maestro – albeit it was on his ninth attempt at Federer. Now as they enter their tenth battle, it is not without some trepidation that their encounter is anticipated. Can Blake record back-to-back victories over Fed?

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer vs. James Blake

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Friday October 30, 2008

Head-to-head Analysis Federer owns an 8-1 lead in their series. Although, Blake nicked the most recent victory, dashing Federer’s Olympic Gold aspirations at the Beijing Olympics in the summer when he beat Federer in the quarters in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(2).

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Roger Federer: Undoubtedly, Federer will be the favourite in this match. In fact, the huge favourite. While all the worrywarts agonize over Federer’s descent from sitting lotus atop the ATP rankings, Federer seems rather unconcerned. Sure, he relinquished his No.1 ranking to a very deserving Rafael Nadal, but only for now. The maestro is firm in his ability to ascend the top of the ranking, and he is aiming his long-range focus to 2009 to accomplish the feat.

So that out of the way, Federer’s season then. Well, near perfection of previous seasons, it is not; but he did win a fifth US Open and a doubles gold medal in Beijing, so that has to count for something. Weird losses to unusual suspects – explained away by lingering effects of mononucleosis. So stop worrying people. Federer is fine.

James Blake: is a huge talent but he has not been the sport’s most consistent force. Sure he hangs out in the upper echelons, hobnobbing with the best of the sport, enjoys some marked successes over his career and wins some important battles, but the beautiful playmaker has a ceiling and can only go so far.

Tennis Betting Verdict: On paper, this match is exciting as it will be a rematch of their Olympic quarterfinal encounter. Nevertheless, as tough as it all looks on paper, in the tennis betting market, Federer is still a heavy favourite to reach the semis. The added dimension of revenge will make this an even more exciting betting affair – one of Federer’s career goals was to win a gold medal and Blake “the destroyer” crushed those aspirations at the 2008 Beijing Olympics this summer. You can bet Federer will want to avenge that loss particularly. Blake is trying to qualify for the Masters Cup. At the start of the Paris Masters, his bid was in serious doubt. That he made it this far is an achievement. His run should end here though.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

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