posted April 23, 2008 at 20:42 in Tennis Free Picks

Monte Carlo, Monaco – The duopoly of World No.1 Roger Federer and No.2 Rafael Nadal has come under threat in 2008 like never before. A fortnight ago, both players were significantly without a title for the year, but with a dubious victory at the Estoril Open last week (Davydenko retired in the second set) Federer joins the winning circle, leaving Nadal as the only Top 5 player yet to win a title in 2008. So as the three-time defending champion, Nadal guns for his historic fourth title in Monte Carlo, what lies ahead for bettors during the course of this tournament, is some exciting tennis matchup odds to bet on. Here are my tennis free picks for Federer and Nadal

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -600 Gael Monfils +350

Match Time: 04:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday April 24, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Not for nothing, but after Federer got off to a tough start in his inaugural match at the ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo, needing all three sets before seizing the victory 6-1, 3-6, 76(1) against qualifier Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo, his odds were considerably slashed. This is not to say we should all start betting against him in his upcoming match against Gael Monfils, more so, the implications are for the rest of his tournament. If he has difficulty delivering convincing wins over lesser players, how will he fare against the top players. Perhaps we jump ahead. So let us focus on his next matchup against Monfils. Federer holds a 2-0 record, with the most recent meeting in 2008 at the ATP Masters Series in Miami. I expect a tough match from Monfils, but a persevering victory all the same from the stoic Swiss.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Juan Carlos Ferrero +900 664 Rafael Nadal -2500

Match Time: 04:00 AM Eastern Time, Thursday April 24, 2008

Tennis Prediction: At the steep price tag of -2500, Nadal is without a doubt the sure play. Against fellow Spaniard No.24 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Nadal owns a 5-1 record, which is comprised of a 3-0 record against Ferrero on clay. Betting against Nadal at this stage would be premature. Sure, he has not title for the year, but only a few weeks ago he lead the ATP tour in match wins, blowing the theory he is struggling in any way. Arriving in Monte Carlo as the three-time defending champion, Nadal opened his tournament with a dominating performance over Mario Ancic, holding the Croatian to love in the first sets before taking the second 6-3. Nadal is the only play to make in his upcoming match.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets.

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