Acapulco Quarterfinal Tennis Betting Picks: Verdasco vs. Monaco

Acapulco, Mexico – Top seed Fernando Verdasco and seventh seed Juan Monaco have an appointment in the Abierto Mexicano quarters, just as most experts predicted they would before the start of the tournament. Because their matchup was imagined since the start the drama and excitement has been building up, reaching a feverish pitch now that we are only a few hours away before they take centre court.

Verdasco and Monaco set up an interesting clash because of their prowess on the red stuff. They are some of the best grinding, dirt bashers in the game. That they both come into their encounter in-form only promises they will deliver a high quality clash that should live up to the hype.

Head-to-head, Monaco has Verdasco’s number lifetime as he leads the series 5-2. Recent history suggests otherwise and tells a more accurate story. In 2009, Verdasco beat Monaco at the Madrid Masters 7-5, 6-2. Later in the season, Monaco earned the victory at Bastad, but on a retirement by Verdasco down 1-6, 1-3.

That said Monaco has already competed in two-clay court events this season to the tune of encouraging results – a semi-final finish in Buenos Aires and a runner-up finish at Santiago, a week prior. Monaco should be in fine clay-court form right about now, in his third event on the South American clay-court swing.

Verdasco, on the other hand, only just joined the South American proceedings after competing in two American hard court events, with mixed results. He won the title in San Jose (beating American favourite Roddick, no less) and immediately afterwards crashed out of Memphis in the first round. Obviously, Verdasco hasn’t clocked in as much time as Monaco on clay, which some would have as a serious disadvantage in this blockbuster billing.

Tennis Betting Line :

Fernando Verdasco -2½ -125 -180 22 O -125 U -115
Juan Monaco +2½ -115 +140 22 O -125 U -115

First Set Line: Fernando Verdasco -180 Juan Monaco +140

Match Time: 06:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday February 25, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: The market on this match is rather close but Fernando Verdasco is still the clear favourite to win outright, trading at -180. Verdasco backers can also find the Spaniard listed equally to take the first set at -180. Verdasco started his bid slow, stretched to three sets by Fabio Fognini in the first round, but he cleaned up his act taking out Kubot in straight sets in the second round. Verdasco’s better performance is encouraging and adds shine to his stock value.

Monaco carries a modest +140 price to win outright and an equally modest tag to win the first set. Monaco faced stiff contest from Alberto Martin in the first round and was forced to come back from behind to win 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-2. He was much sharper in the second round against compatriot Juan Ignacio Chela, taking him out in straight sets. Monaco is priced within the market for an upset and therefore tennis bettors looking to buck the trend could do no worse than risking a wager on his odds.

Tennis Free Picks: If I were playing house money, I would back Verdasco for the win at -180 because I think he is a much better a player than Monaco, when he is on. I would hedge my bets with Monaco on the spread at + 2 ½ -115. I think this match will be close and a three set affair. The Over 22 -125 is the favoured outcome.

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