Aussie Open Quarterfinal: Andy Roddick battles Marin Cilic

Melbourne, Australia – Andy Roddick will hope to continue the pursuit of that elusive second Grand Slam title when he takes on Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals. Andy Roddick has looked solid in Melbourne but he really wasn’t tested until the R16 by Fernando Gonzalez in a five-set thriller. Surviving that marathon was good for Roddick’s credibility in the market and it has seen his odds improve in the outright market, but only marginally so I am afraid. Years of frustration on the major stage correlates to a market reluctance to back him heavily.

Meanwhile, Marin Cilic underscored his dark horse pretentions with a massive upset over Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, in the last 16. Not only did Cilic beat Del Potro, but also he outlasted the champ in a nerve-wracking five-set marathon. That speaks volumes and confirms for the young up-and-comer is the real deal.

Cilic enters his quarterfinal clash against seasoned veteran Roddick as the marginal underdog but he has more than a real shot to reach the semis – what would be his first-ever semi-final appearance at a Grand Slam – in the minds of many punters. Roddick is the favourite to win outright, backed respectably in the market to win outright, and considering he has a wealth of experience in winning and losing tough matches, one has to give him the slight edge over Cilic.

Tennis Betting Line:

Andy Roddick -3 -110 -170 42 O -130 U -110
Marin Cilic +3 -130 +130 42 O -130 U -110

1st Set

Andy Roddick -160 10 O -130 U -110
Marin Cilic +120 10 O -130 U -110

Roddick -3 vs Cilic >> Join to Bet Now

2nd Set

Andy Roddick -150 10 O -115 U -125
Marin Cilic +110 10 O -115 U -125

Match Set Line:

Andy Roddick -1½ +110
Marin Cilic +1½ -150

Match Time: 11:00 PM Eastern Time Monday January 2, 2010

Tennis Betting Trend: This matchup has value on both ends. Roddick is a Grand Slam champion but the last and only time he ever won a major title was in 2003 at the US Open defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. Last year, Roddick participated in the Wimbledon final, giving us perhaps the second/ third best match of the year after the Aussie Open semis between Verdasco and Nadal and the Aussie Open final between Federer and Nadal.

Nevertheless, Roddick has a shot to reach his second consecutive Aussie Open semi-final with a win over Cilic. Last year, Roddick lost to Federer in the semis. Recommending his -170 odds is a ranking edge over Cilic as well as experience in clutch matches on the big stage. And a big stage it will be for they are set to play on Rod Laver Arena.

Cilic, listed at +130 to win outright, has yet to play on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. He was not a big enough name to warrant a court date on Centre Court. It has taken a court date with Roddick in the quarterfinals to earn him that privilege. Playing for the first time before such a crowd could be intimidating, as well replicating the heroics of his Del Potro match, trying, dauntingly so. I cannot say there is no value in Cilic, he is after all 1-1 lifetime against Roddick. But I don’t see him recording a second upset in a row just yet.

Tennis Free Picks: Roddick to win outright is the smart play and smart money will be backing the American to the semis. I also like Roddick to take the first set at -160. Cilic might be able to take a set off Roddick, so the second set is a good bet in his favour at +110. I like this match to go to four sets with Roddick covering the spread on the match set line at -1 ½ +110 and Roddick covering the spread on the match proper at -3 -110. I like the Under 42 at -110 in this match.