Rome Masters Round of 16 – Robredo vs. Djokovic

Rome, Italy – The Round of 16 tennis odds for the ATP Masters Series in Rome are currently available at BetOnline Sportsbook. The tennis betting market is heating up as the tournament takes one-step closer to crowning a champion on Sunday. So let us start with the reigning champ himself, Novak Djokovic and his upcoming challenge in Tommy Robredo.

Tennis Betting Line: Tommy Robredo +300          Novak Djokovic     -500 

Match Time: 08:30 A.M. Eastern Time Thursday April 30 2009

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Djokovic -500: The fact that Djokovic has yet to defend successfully a title is well documented. And as he enters the Rome Masters event most tennis bettors would have his throne in jeopardy. However, we are a bit of a ways from the championship match on Sunday. We are still at the very early stages, the last 16 and only his second match of the tournament, having received a bye into the second round.

Djokovic moved into the last 16 with a routine victory over Albert Montanes of Spain. The Spaniard gave a good account of himself in the first set, taking Djokovic to a tiebreaker. However, he all but disappeared in the second set, losing it at love. Djokovic has to be happy with the start to his title defence campaign and glad he got through in straight sets.

Next up is Tommy Robredo of Spain. Djokovic holds a 4-1 edge over the veteran Spaniard, having beaten him four consecutive times since the 2006 Wimbledon Championships R64. However, their last match at the 2008 US Open was a controversial affair and as such lends a bit of added drama to their encounter in Rome.

At the time, Robredo accused Djokovic of taking advantage of timeouts and calling for the trainer in an unsportsmanlike manner. But, mercifully, all the medical attention, did not appear to affect his play. Djokovic was able to complete the match, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Robredo +300: Robredo would like nothing better to avenge the loss he suffered at the hands of Djokovic at the US Open. Seeing as they are meeting on his favourite surface, clay, one would think that if Robredo would ever have a chance of getting into the win column over Djokovic it would be on this surface. There is motivation for Robredo in this match. Moreover, he is in fine form this season, having picked up already two titles on clay.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Though the bookies don’t give Robredo a shot to win this match, tipping him as a significant underdog at +300, he has to like his chances. So do his fans. Granted a Djokovic win is more likely than a loss but I would not be surprised if it were to happen. Heck, I will give him my vote.

Tennis Betting Picks: Robredo in straight sets