Novak Djokovic v Fernando Verdasco
Tennis: ATP Masters Monte Carlo Semi Final
Saturday 17th April 2010 - Start 1:45pm GMT

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Preview

This should prove to be the match of the day between 2 players that have proven closely matched in recent seasons. Novak Djokovic had been struggling before this tournament, especially with his own serve, but it seems the parting of company with Todd Martin has given him extra motivation to perform this week.

Fernando Verdasco finally made it through to the Semi Final of a Masters Event, but he made much harder work of it than he should have as nerves definitely got the better of him in the 2nd set of his win over Albert Montanes. He might fare better in this match without the expectation of being favourite as he was in the last round.

Novak Djokovic has come through the first 3 rounds here in Monte Carlo without losing a set. This is more impressive when noticing that he has beaten Stanislas Wawrinka, last weeks winner in Casablanca on clay, and David Nalbandian yesterday. I think a concern for his supporters will be the fact that the Serbian seems to still be beating himself up during matches when he loses points. It is more worrying when seeing Novak complaining at his opponent's winners, and I think he is still mentally in a difficult place, something he alluded to in his post match interview yesterday.

Fernando Verdasco came through a tough encounter with Tomas Berdych in the 3rd round, and then made tough work of Montanes yesterday with both matches going to 3 sets. The Spaniard has a proven track record on clay courts and it will be interesting to see if his finally making a Semi Final at an 1000 event will help him push his career on even further as he looks to return into the top 10 of the World.

The 2 players have begun to run into each other more often as both are now genuine challengers at the back end of tournaments. They met 3 times last season, with Novak Djokovic winning all 3 matches. Only 1 of those meetings took place on clay, at this tournament last season, and that went to a deciding set. The other 2 meetings also saw Verdasco take a set off the Serbian.

The 2 also met this season in an exhibition match in preparation for the Australian Open and Verdasco won in 2 straight sets.

Prediction

There is so much intrigue surrounding this match with both players having their demons to overcome this week and we are likely to see them again in this match.

Djokovic has been struggling with the mental aspects of the game while Verdasco's nerves can get the better of him in these tight battles.

Fernando Verdasco is one of the most dangerous players on this surface and he is more than capable of hitting through players. This tactic will help to beat most players on a clay court but Novak Djokovic is a different kettle of fish. The Serbian is known for his competitiveness on any court and I feel there is a real desire to move back into the Final and play against Rafael Nadal again.

Due to these matches being close, I think we are looking at another 3 setter between two gifted players. For that, I am picking Fernando Verdasco to cover the handicap, and it is entirely possible that he could complete a victory and move into his biggest Final in his career so far.

The Pick :

Match goes into a Final Set

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Fernando Verdasco +3.5 games @ 1.80 (Paddy Power)