ATP Bank of Austria: Tipsarevic looks to land a berth in the quarters

Vienna, Austria – Serbian Janko Tipsarevic is enjoying a rare run of good form these past few weeks and he is looking to extend that encouraging run at the expense of German Michael Berrer when they square off for a spot in the Bank of Austria quarters on Thursday.

Tipsarevic is after a runner-up finish in Moscow and just prior to that he finished in the quarters in Metz and scooped up a Challenger title in Mons, Belgium. Tipsarevic’s two-week run is unprecedented this season. For the most part of the term he had been struggling on form, enjoying only brief successful spurts here and there. Yet once the indoor hard court swing rolled in Tipsarevic found momentum. We are yet to see whether he can sustain his run of good form for yet another week.

Tennis Betting Line: Janko Tipsarevic  -400         Michael Berrer     +250

Match Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday October 29, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Tipsarevic is 27-23 on the season and after an impressive runner-up finish in Moscow where he lost to home favourite Mikhail Youzhny. Tipsarevic opened his Vienna account with a big victory over John Isner, convincingly beating the 6”9 American in straight sets. Standing in his way of a second consecutive quarterfinal spot and a chance to continue his campaign in Vienna is Michael Berrer

It will be the first career meeting between No.133 Michael Berrer and No.46 Janko Tipsarevic at an ATP level event. They, however, have met twice at the lower circuits and split both meetings. The most recent win went to Tipsarevic in Sunrise, Florida (2008).

Tipsarevic owns a significant ranking edge over Berrer – a journeyman player who makes a living on the lower circuits. He also has momentum going for him and current good form. So as you might expect, Tipsarevic is the favourite to win this match outright.

Berrer only ever reached a career-high ranking of No.59 and that achievement is now two-years old. Even his career tipping point when he was supposedly playing his best tennis is quite a ways off Tipsarevic’s current ranking.

All markers are saying this match is on Tipsarevic’s racquet. And indeed he should win this match. Berrer might be able to put forward a competitive account however he has lacked confidence in matches all season long and there are no clear signs showing he is on the verge of turning things around.

Tennis Free Picks: Tipsarevic in straight sets