ATP Acapulco Semis: Ferrero and Ferrer bid for the final

Acapulco, Mexico—Juan Monaco took out top seed Fernando Verdasco in the quarters yesterday to book his spot in the semis. He will next face Juan Carlos Ferrero for a spot in the final. Second seed Fernando Gonzalez is the highest seed still alive in the tournament after he survived Eduardo Schwank in the quarters. Next up for Gonzalez is David Ferrer.

With the semi-final line-up in Acapulco set, the market released, here is a look at the matchups and how they might pan out.

Tennis Betting Line:

Juan Monaco +2 -125 +125 22½ O -115 U -125
Juan Carlos Ferrero -2 -115 -165 22½ O -115 U -125

First Set Line: Juan Monaco +110 Juan Carlos Ferrero -150

Match Time: 06:00 PM Eastern Time Friday February 26, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Argentinean Juan Monaco took out Fernando Verdasco in the quarters. The victory was an upset but it wasn’t as surprising as you might think. Monaco was in his third clay-court event and in-form whereas Verdasco was making his first appearance on clay, with only one-match win under his belt. It was bound to happen. That said don’t take anything away from Monaco. He won deservedly so. Juan Carlos Ferrer has been simply on fire during this short South American clay-court swing, winning two titles back-to-back. He is only two victories away from seizing a third consecutive title.

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Not surprisingly, with both players in-form this is a tight matchup. Ferrero is the favourite to win, listed at -165 while Monaco is a mere +125 puppy. Seems to me there is value in both camps. Fans should back their man but if you are a neutral like me, then go with the favourite.

Tennis Free Picks: Ferrero in three sets

Tennis Betting Line:

David Ferrer -115 22½ O -120 U -120
Fernando Gonzalez -125 22½ O -120 U -120

First Set Line: David Ferrer -120 Fernando Gonzalez -120

Match Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time Friday February 26, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: David Ferrer and Fernando Gonzalez will battle for a spot in the final tonight. Gonzalez and Ferrer are offered on a tight market with Gonzalez marginally favoured over Ferrer at -125 to -115. Gonzalez however has looked shaky in Acapulco. He has been winning matches but the manner in which he has been winning is concerning, especially because he struggled and against lesser opponents. I don’t think he can squeak by Ferrer with such inconsistent play. Ferrer is too good a competitor and his equal in calibre and quality. Ferrer has looked much better in Acapulco and I would go so far as to recommend him over Gonzalez in this match.

Tennis Expert Picks: Ferrer in straight sets