Paris Masters R16 - Rivalry of Djokovic and Tsonga third act

Paris, France – The scintillating rivalry that began under the blistering Melbourne sun at the start of the year enters the third act when Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga meet in the last 16 tomorrow. To say this is perhaps one of the most exciting sports betting affairs on the cards at the Paris Masters is an understatement.

In Melbourne, Djokovic beat Tsonga in four sets to win his maiden Grand Slam title to end the Frenchman’s Cinderella run. Though Tsonga walked away second best that night he won over the sports betting community wholeheartedly with his panache, class and style. Tsonga later avenged the loss in Bangkok, when he beat Djokovic in the final to win his maiden ATP title.

As they get set for their third meeting of the season, the all-important question of who will come out on top in this tight rivalry almost upon us, Djokovic’s concerning form and skint play underscores the encounter and hints the betting trend on this match will decidedly go in Tsonga’s favour.

Tennis Betting Line: Novak Djokovic vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

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

Head-to-head Analysis: The series is tied 1-1. Djokovic beat Tsonga at the 2008 Australian Open 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2); meanwhile, Tsonga level the head-to-head series in Bangkok when he beat Djokovic in the final 7-6(4), 6-4.

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Djokovic That Djokovic will enter this match as the favourite is a given. Despite poor form during the fall swing (something that plagued the Serbian sensation in 2007 as well) and average play Djokovic is still the World No.3 and has two Masters Shields to go with his Grand Slam title in 2008.

Overall, Djokovic is 59-15 for the season and 4-2 in indoor events – largely due amassed during his run in Bangkok. A fortnight ago, Djokovic was shocked in the last 16 at the Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid by Ivo Karlovic.

In Paris, Djokovic has his last shot at a Masters Shield, and if he were to bring the form that we saw at the start of the season, few would doubt his chances. However, against the impetuous Dmitry Tursunov he was hardly stellar, gaining the victory when the Russian retired in the second set with a shoulder injury.

Tsonga This season has been a breakthrough one for the Frenchman long held as an underdeveloped talent. On the season he is 28-12 and picked up one title. At the Masters Series in Madrid he fell to Roger Federer in the last 16. Last week in Lyon, he pushed to the semis (l. to Julien Benneteau).

Tennis Betting Verdict Judging by his opener, Djokovic’s bid in Paris is a long shot. Next up is Tsonga who is coming in to great form and, most importantly, playing with passion. Add to that the fact that Tsonga has home court edge, he has plenty incentive for a good showing.

Tennis Free Picks: Tsonga in three sets

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