Hot Tennis Bets: Davydenko and Youzhny in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – Defending champion Novak Djokovic began his title defence campaign today against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. The Serbian starlet passed his first test in flying colors. As the tournament moves ahead, he will face stiffer challengers. One such threat is Nikolay Davydenko, who looms a potential semi-final opponent. Elsewhere, Mikhail Youzhny will aim to get his bid off to a positive start. Youzhny is a potential quarterfinal opponent for Andy Murray.

Tennis Betting Line: Florent Serra +750 Nikolay Davydenko -1800

First Set Line: Florent Serra +450 Nikolay Davydenko -900

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Tuesday February 23, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Nikolay Davydenko takes a 12-2 mark into the first round of Dubai, which includes two titles on the season. Davydenko’s only losses this season came at the Aussie Open and Rotterdam. In Melbourne, he lost to Federer in the quarters; in Rotterdam, he lost to Robin Soderling in the semis.

Clearly, Davydenko is in great form and as such, it comes as no surprise he is one of the short-odds on favourites to win the title in Dubai. In fact, I would have him the outright favourite, ahead of world No.2 Djokovic and No.3 Murray even – simply because the pair are without titles this season and more significantly, vulnerable in high-stake matches.

Having said that Davydenko to win this match, handily, is the only reasonable play don’t you think. Do I need to explain why? A 3-1 edge over Serra. Including untouchable on paper edge over the Frenchman. Serra should be overmatched.

Tennis Free Picks: Davydenko in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Lukas Lacko +200 Mikhail Youzhny -300
First Set Line: Lukas Lacko +150 Mikhail Youzhny -200

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Tuesday February 23, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Mikhail Youzhny takes a 6-3 mark on the season, which includes a runner-up finish in Rotterdam into his first round encounter against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia. The Russian is also after breaking back into the top 20, currently ranked No. 15. This is Youzhny’s first appearance since losing to Soderling in the Rotterdam final, on a retirement, mind down 4-6, 0-2 in the finale. Lukas Lacko arrives in Dubai after competing in Memphis last week where he punched above his weight class to reach the quarters.

His Memphis campaign ended at Petzschner’s feet, in a lopsided affair – 1-6, 6-1, 1-6. It is worthwhile to note Memphis was Lacko’s third quarterfinal appearance of the season, and for a previously unheard of player at the ATP that is quite an impressive achievement. Lacko could give Youzhny a good match. Still, Youzhny is the better play.

Tennis Free Picks: Youzhny in three sets > > Join to bet NOW!