Simon Thwarts Federer’s Masters Cup ambitions

Shanghai, China – Not many players can boast about besting the maestro and owning a winning record against him as well, but that is exactly what Gilles Simon of France has bragging rights to. The Frenchman caused the biggest upset of the season at the Rogers Cup in Canada when he stunned the then World No.1 Roger Federer in three sets 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Just in case sports bettors thought the triumph over Federer was a fluke, Simon backed up his big scalp with another when he beat World No.1 Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Masters last month. And at the Tennis Masters Cup over the weekend, debutant Simon (+500) sent seismic shockwaves when he beat titleholder Federer (-1000) for a second time in a row.

One look at the tennis betting line and odds makers did not give much stock for the upset. In fact, with the overwhelmingly one-sided betting line, all Federer needed was to rubber stamp it with a win.

No.9 Simon entered the event as an alternate when Rafael Nadal withdrew because of knee tendinitis. The unfortunate turn of events for the Spaniard benefited No.9 Gilles Simon who narrowly missed qualification this season.

If sports bettors thought the rookie were less threatening for the circumstance of his entry, they could not have been more wrong. On the contrary, Simon has been one of the biggest surprises this season. He won three titles and scored two big scalps prior to journeying to Shanghai.

The quiet, unassuming Frenchman (or so it would seem) has proven to be a latent threat at the Tennis Masters Cup and in beating Roger Federer for a second time this season his debut is on the right track.

What appeared to be a straightforward grouping is now turned on its head and sports bettors are atingle with the prospect of betting on the outcome of the Red Group. Top seed Federer is at the bottom of the pile after failing to avenge his Rogers Cup loss.

Roger Federer started the year with a loss to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semis. He then lost the top ranking, the French Open final and his beloved Wimbledon title – all to Rafael Nadal. Other players have also chipped away at his armour that compared to last season this year has been a complete disappointment for the stoic Swiss. Aside from winning the US Open that is.

A strong Tennis Masters Cup performance would have lifted some of the clouds that have hung over Federer and salvaged the remnants of his year. Now it doesn’t look like the clouds will be lifting. Could Federer’s Tennis Masters Cup defence be in jeopardy?

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