posted August 11, 2009 at 15:32 EST in Tennis Free Picks
Novak Djokovic begins campaign against Canadian wild card Polansky
by Nila Amerova
Montreal, Canada – World No.4 Novak Djokovic of Serbia begins his campaign against Canadian wild card Peter Polansky in the second round today. Elsewhere, compatriot Viktor Troicki takes on Spaniard David Ferrer for a spot in the third round. Here is a look at some
Tennis Betting Line:
Peter Polansky +6 -145 +1000 18½ O -125 U -115
Novak Djokovic -6 +105 -3000 18½ O -125 U -115
Match Time: Not Before 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday August 11 2009
Tennis Betting Analysis: Novak Djokovic played his first match at Montreal yesterday, a doubles match with partner Dusan Vemic. The Serbian tandem was ousted by Rafael Nadal and Francisco Roig in straight sets. Nothing doing. Djokovic got a chance to get used to the conditions in Montreal and get in a light workout. Djokovic is enjoying a good season – if not impressive by anyone else’s standards – but not as good as his critics would like him to have or believe he is capable off. Overall, Djokovic is 47-14 on the season with two titles – Dubai and Belgrade. His highlights include runner-up finishes at the Miami Masters, Monte Carlo Masters, Rome Masters and Halle.
That said, Djokovic takes on No.225 Peter Polansky – one of two Canadian hopefuls in the second round. Just a gander at his ranking and his ATP record on 2009 (1-3) and you will get a sense of the standard this 21-year-old Canadian brings to this match: none – at least, none that could perceivably threaten Djokovic.
Tennis Betting Verdict: Polansky is not in the same league. Certainly, Polansky will have crowd support and home edge but bookies are not giving him a chance. They are barely touching him with the outside odds of +1000. At -3000, Djokovic is a pricey bet; but there is no doubt that where the market is concerned, he is the value play.
Tennis Free Picks: Djokovic in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Viktor Troicki +4 -115 +275 21½ O -130 U -110
David Ferrer -4 -125 -450 21½ O -130 U -110
Match Time: Not Before 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday August 11 2009
Tennis Betting Analysis: David Ferrer and Viktor Troicki stack up against each other a bit better. Well, at least, the market doesn’t tip this match as a whitewash affair. No.19 David Ferrer has the slight ranking edge over Troicki as well as more experience at his fingertips.
Overall, Ferrer is 35-17 on the season, with runner-up finishes at Dubai and Barcelona. Most recently, he was a semi-finalist in Hamburg.
A renowned clay-court specialist in his early days, Ferrer upped his hard court game over the last few years, so much so, that he is no longer dismissed as just a dirt baller. He has recorded some impressive results on this surface, namely reaching the US Open quarters in 2007. Indeed, Ferrer is a dangerous floater on this surface as much as he is on any other surface. His dogged style wears opponents down. And he is the type of player most top players would rather not have to face in an event.
Ferrer takes a 1-0 edge over Troicki into this match. The Serbia, Troicki is 22-20 on the season. Currently, ranked No.24, he has had a mixed season. Highlights include a semi at Zagreb, quarters at Hamburg and Belgrade and a last 16 in Miami.
Tennis Betting Verdict: Ferrer is the value play and if he is on form he should have a relative routine match against Troicki. The Serbian has improved his game but he still has a long way to go methinks. But as mentioned, he has improved and these improvements should make him more competitive—maybe even taking a set off Ferrer.
Tennis Free Picks: Ferrer in three sets
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