posted February 29, 2008 at 19:31 EST in Tennis Betting Trends

Zagreb, Croatia – Croatian Ivan Ljubicic topped compatriot Mario Ancic to set up a final clash against [LL] Sergiy Stakhovsky, who defeated Simone Boleilli earlier today. With the PBZ Zagreb final set to kick-off on Saturday, March 1, 2008, here is a breakdown of this stellar matchup.

Friday, February 29, 2008

ATP Men’s Singles – Semifinal Results:

[LL] S Stakhovsky (UKR) d S Bolelli (ITA) 6-4, 6-4

[1] I Ljubicic (CRO) d M Ancic (CRO) 7-6(2), 6-4

Tennis Betting Line: Ivan Ljubicic vs.Sergiy Stakhovsky

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday March 1, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Ukrainian lucky loser Sergiy Stakhovsky has had an incredible week in Zagreb, reaching his maiden ATP level final with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italian Simone Boleilli. The 22-year-old Stakhovsky did not have an easy course to the final, topping Ivo Karlovic, Viktor Troicki and Janko Tipsarevic in succession, before contesting the semifinal today against Boleilli.

Entering the final with a perfect 4-0 record, the underdog Sergiy Stakhovsky will try to continue his Cinderella run against the odds maker’s favorite and top seed Ivan Ljubicic.

The 28-year-old Croatian will have the support of the crowd and brings a 6-3 record for the season into the match. Ljubicic is appearing in his second ATP semifinal of the year; his first came early in the year in Doha (l. to Stanislas Wawrinka). At the Australian Open, Ljubicic fell in his opening match to No. 103 Robin Haase in four sets. Following his demoralizing exit from the first Grand Slam of the year, Ljubicic competed at the Challenger level in East London, South Africa, beating Stefan Koubek in the final for the title.

By all indications, this will be a tough match. Stakhovsky has defied all the odds to arrive into the final, becoming the first lucky loser to arrive at an ATP final since Niklas Kulti accomplished the feat in Halle, in 1999. Stakhovsky clearly should not be underestimated.

Ljubicic will be the bettors’ short-odds-on favorite for the title, and his experience at this level will be an advantage over Stakhovsky.

That being said, the pressure lies solely on No.25 Ljubicic’s shoulders, for as the higher ranked player and with home court advantage he should win. No.209 Stakhovsky, as the unlikely finalist, is free of such a burden, which in turn, could be an advantage he will convert into a surprise victory on Saturday. As such, there is value to be had on Stakhovsky. For long-odds bettors, there is a deal to be had on Stakhovsky.

Tennis Free Pick: Stakhovsky in three sets

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