Albert Montanes v Fernando Verdasco
Tennis: ATP Masters Monte Carlo Quarter Final
Friday 16th April 2010 - Start 2:00pm GMT

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Preview

Albert Montanes has been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far with his run to the Quarter Final after taking care of Marcos Baghdatis, Andreas Seppi and Marin Cilic along the way. However, he is going to have to raise his level once more if he is to see off his countryman here.

Montanes could improve to a career high after this tournament from the World Number 32 he holds at this moment, especially now the clay court swing has begun and he might just do that even if he does not win this match.

The Spaniard has performed well to reach this stage of this Masters event, but much of that can be given credit to the way he has defended break points against his serve all week. His opponents have not been classic clay courters (possibly Seppi can fit into this) and is another reason why Verdasco could prove a tougher test.

Fernando Verdasco put away some of the mental demons in the last round to overcome Tomas Berdych from a set down- Berdych had beaten Verdasco in the last 2 tournaments this season at both Indian Wells and Miami. The World Number 12 must feel he has a real opportunity to reach his first Masters Semi Final.

He has only had to dispose of Berdych and Julien Benneteau to reach this stage after receiving a bye in the 1st round. He has returned effectively in both of these matches and created plenty of break point opportunities although he will like to take care of his serve more than he did against the big Czech player in the last round.

The 2 players have met 3 times previously and it is Verdasco who has won all meetings. Only 1 of these matches took place on clay and their last meeting saw Verdasco recover from a set down to win in 4, at Wimbledon, on grass last season.

Prediction

In all honesty I find it hard to think how Albert Montanes can hurt Fernando Verdasco here. The edge he held over his previous victims has been his nous on clay courts, but Verdasco will be able to match that here.

Fernando Verdasco also has all the weapons here to do damage and will look to bring his devastating forehand into play as soon as he can in a rally.

I think Verdasco will win in 2 sets here fairly comfortably, and will pick him to cover the handicap that is set.

The Pick :

Fernando Verdasco in 2

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Fernando Verdasco -4.5 games at 1.83 (Paddy Power)