Madrid Masters 2nd Round - Nalbandian’s Quarter

Madrid, Spain – Defending champion David Nalbandian is inextricably drawn to collide with Roger Federer in the quarterfinals at the ATP Madrid Masters; however, Nalbandian’s course is not an easy one. After receiving a bye in to the second round, he sets to open his campaign against Tokyo champion Tomas Berdych. Should he persevere, he could potentially meet compatriot and red-hot tennis betting ticket Juan Martin Del Potro.

So as Nalbandian prepares to take centre court tomorrow morning here is a look at how his section of the draw could take shape.

Tennis Betting Line: David Nalbandian -175 Tomas Berdych +125

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday October 15, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: This is truly one of the blockbuster matchups in the second round. Nalbandian enters with a slight 3-1 edge in their head-to-head series. Nalbandian recently won the indoor title in Stockholm. Indoor hard courts are his favourite surface. In 2008, Nalbandian is 34-13 for the year and owns two titles.

Nalbandian is rightly favoured in this matchup. He has the surface edge. And, typically, this is the time of the year when he likes to raise the level of his game. Last year, Nalbandian won this title, beating Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to lift the coveted Masters shield.

Overall, Berdych has enjoyed a modest season; but when he was shockingly upset at the US Open this year, his prospects were not looking too good. However, since then, Berdych would appear to have found his form. In Bangkok, he reached the semis (l to Djokovic) and immediately after, in Tokyo, Berdych blew through the tournament to pick up his first ATP title of the year. On the strength of his last month of tournament action (7-1 mark over two events), Berdych has an outside chance of upsetting the favourite Nalbandian.

Tennis Betting Prediction: Technically, this match is tough to call. It could go either way. Recently, Nalbandian had a falling out with Argentina’s national federation and threatened to skip the Davis Cup final with Spain. Angered over their venue decision for the tie, Nalbandian could be somewhat distracted – a concern for his title defence campaign. Berdych’s recent title victory should raise his confidence. The value to be had for the tennis bettor is betting on Berdych.

Tennis Free Picks: Berdych in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Jarkko Nieminen vs. Juan Martin Del Potro

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday October 15, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: Juan Martin Del Potro arrived in Madrid after he withdrew from the tournament in Vienna with a foot injury before his second round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber. So questions abound whether he is in top form. Assuming that he is, then this matchup should be a straightforward affair.

Tennis Betting Prediction: Del Potro’s stock in the tennis betting market increased when he went on an incredible run during the summer months, picking up four back-to-back titles over two surfaces. He recently propelled Argentina into the Davis Cup final by winning the fifth and deciding rubber against Russia in the semis.

Tennis Free Picks: Del Potro in straight sets

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