Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals: Andy Murray vs. Juan Martin Del Potro

London, England – The honour of kicking off the proceedings at the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals falls to Britain’s No.1 Andy Murray, naturally. Hordes of British tennis fans will be on hand to spur one of their own, ensuring for us all “Murray mania” is alive and well. Sarcasm aside, home edge will be a huge advantage for Murray against Del Potro, a player that tested him on every occasion they met in the past.

Murray leads 4-1 head-to-head; however, each and every single match was a hard fought victory. In 2009, Murray leads Del Potro 2-1 – a mark that is more in tune to their current standing in the game.

Murray beat Del Potro in the Miami semis 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, en route to the title. Juan Martin Del Potro then levelled the score on the season when he beat Murray at the Madrid Masters quarters 7-6(4), 6-3.

Murray moved ahead in their series when he beat Del Potro at the Rogers Cup final 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-1 – although for most of the match, Murray was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Had it not been for Del Potro suffering an injury late into the second set the result might have been different. In fact, Murray – dare I say it—didn’t deserve to win that match. Del Potro was clearly the better player for the first two sets.

Tennis Betting Line: Andrew Murray -275 Juan Martin Del Potro +190

>> Bet Now on Murray -275 vs Del Potro

Match Time: 09:00 A.M Eastern Time Sunday November 22, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: On the strength of their overall head-to-head mark and Murray’s slight ranking advantage, Murray enters this match as the favourite. Listed at -275, Murray is the value play. Not only does Murray have home edge going for him but Del Potro is not the same player he was up to the summer, including the groundbreaking Sunday when he won his first-ever Grand Slam title, beating Roger Federer in an epic five-set final.

The feat seems to have been Del Potro’s last gasp as he has been totally abysmal lately. He looks pooped for one. He also seems to be nursing injuries – wrist and stomach. All this makes for Del Potro a question mark. Two months ago, I would have backed Del Potro hands down. Now, I am not so sure. He is only 2-3 since the US Open. Murray really has no excuse not to win this match.

Tennis Free Picks: Murray -250 in straight sets

Additional Props:

• Andrew Murray to win 2 - 0 -110
• Andrew Murray to win 2 - 1 +275
• Juan Martin Del Potro to win 2 - 0 +350
• Juan Martin Del Potro to win 2 - 1 +450

Tennis winning picks: Murray to win 2-0 -110