AIG Japan Open Quarters - Gasquet vs. Schuettler

Tokyo, Japan – At the AIG Japan Open, fourth seed Richard Gasquet, still chasing his first ATP title of the season, is set to clash with German veteran, the 12th seed, Rainer Schuettler. The pair met last week at the China Open, when Gasquet, in what is fast becoming characteristic of him, unravelled during the course of the match, crashing in three sets after having taken the early lead.

Richard Gasquet has been slumping something huge this season and clearly the bookies have not learned from the pair’s previous meeting that was as recent as this time last week. Gasquet is so far out on the favourite plane his value is obviously overestimated; at the same time, tipping Schuettler at +225 is a serious understatement of the stoic veteran’s abilities.

Now that Gasquet has earned a second shot at Schuettler in as much time what should the sports bettor do: bet on his favourite odds or should they go for the odds maker’s bait?

Tennis Betting Line: Richard Gasquet -350 Rainer Schuettler +225

Tournament: AIG Japan Open, Tokyo, Japan

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Friday October 3, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: I repeat: Richard Gasquet has been slumping something huge this season. The thirteenth ranked player in the world has been a real disappointment for many tennis bettors especially because he is such a talent going to waste. Gasquet arrived in Tokyo with a 27-19 mark and one runner-up finish (l. to Del Potro in Stuttgart). He has seesawed from event to event, posting encouraging runs at times (I will give him that) but horrendous ones at other times. Since the start of the summer hard court season, Gasquet has tallied an 8-5 mark.

As perplexing as the French No.1’s year may have been for the tennis betting community, I can only try to imagine how frustrating it must be for him to have all this skill, talent and promise and not reap the rewards. Something his camp is mulling over surely. In fact, Gasquet parted with long time coach, mentor Eric Deblicker on the Eve of Sunday’s French Open start in May, and then opted to skip the Grand Slam entirely. He hooked up with coach, Guillaume Peyre and their partnership is currently ongoing. Adjusting to a new coach and team takes time so it may be a while before we see a better Gasquet appear on court.

The German veteran was rock solid last week in Beijing when he took down Richard Gasquet in three sets. Gasquet won the first set convincingly but then fell apart as Schuettler proceeded to sweep him aside in the last two to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Schuettler has had some standout performances this season, namely at the Championships where he pushed to the semis. Last week, he was a semifinalist in Beijing.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Schuettler beat Gasquet last week so he should enter this match with optimism and sky-high confidence. The only handicap against Schuettler is that he has played two, three set matches in his run-up to the quarters. He may be slightly pooped. Gasquet by contrast should be looking for revenge in this encounter but since he is as fiery as a wet blanket is, I would not hold my breath. Sure, he will start off well most likely with some of his trademarked beautiful shots but if at any point he starts to trail, his bounce-back-ability being zero, I think we will such much of the same from him – another unraveling.

Tennis Free Picks: Schuettler in straight sets

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room