Berdych and Youzhny Collide in the French Open Quarterfinals

Paris, France –Tomas Berdych coasted under the radar in Paris all this time, garnering little attention (if any at all), but all of a sudden the Czech, who is enjoying a standout season all around, sneaks up on the field and is in contention for a spot in the French Open semis. Good as he has been this season, not many saw this coming.

Berdych dismissed Andy Murray in the last 16 on Sunday, convincingly in straight sets, to book his spot in the final eight. He is a victory away from the semi-finals, and a potential clash against the winner of Federer vs. Soderling.

This is only the second time Berdych reaches the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam; his last account was a loss to Rafael Nadal at the 2007 Wimbledon quarterfinals.

Berdych is in the eyes of many second to Federer only in raw, organic talent, but in proportion to this very talent that all sundry admire he has underachieved over his career and nowhere more so than at this level.

Yet here he is – albeit a tad late in arriving but here nonetheless – and on the verge of finally /peaking through to previously untold territory.

Standing in his way is Mikhail Youzhny. The Russian has a 6-4 head-to-head edge over Berdych and is on form this season, both of which make him a tough opponent for Berdych to overcome.

Can Berdych finally /peakthrough on the Grand Slam stage or will Youzhny steal his thunder?

Tennis Betting Line:

Tomas Berdych -3 -135 -210 39½ O -130 U -110
Mikhail Youzhny +3 -105 +160 39½ O -130 U -110

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time (16:00 Local Time) Tuesday June 1, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Berdych trails 4-6 lifetime against Youzhny and is ranked three ranking spots behind the Russian, yet he comes into this match as the solid -250 favourite. Youzhny is the +160 puppy.

Berdych’s value in the market took an uptick when he beat Isner and Murray in his previous two rounds. In topping both Isner and Murray, and each time convincingly, Berdych has set himself up as a dark horse in the top half of the draw.

Youzhny got a free pass into the quarterfinals when Tsonga retired from their last 16 clash with a leg injury. Perhaps because he didn’t back up his move into the last 16 with a noteworthy win Youzhny is the puppy.

Tennis bettors: be wary. Youzhny is a versatile player and a huge talent. Don’t be misled by this market. He is well familiar with Berdych’s game and he has beaten him before and can do so again. Same goes for Berdych to some extent – he has met Youzhny often enough that there shouldn’t be any surprises.

Truth is, whichever way you slice this match there is value to be had. Both players have in my opinion an equal shot of advancing. These two couldn’t be better matched than a matching set of shoes. Deciding between them is going to be difficult. Frankly, it will come down to which player is the better on that day.

Tennis Free Picks: Berdych in five sets