ATP Masters - Federer and Del Potro headline busy Wednesday action

Paris, France – Juan Martin Del Potro are set to open their Paris Masters bid in the second round, Wednesday. Federer comes up against Frenchman Julien Benneteau, a matchup that is good for Federer but not so good for Benneteau. Meanwhile, Del Poop is set to take on former world No.1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin, in what will be a highly compelling matchup.

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -4000 Julien Benneteau +1100

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern time Wednesday November 11, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Roger Federer is the prohibitive favourite, listed at -4000 to win outright. Federer is not only the market favourite he is a fan favourite and will have enough crowd support. He is after all the reigning Roland Garros champion, an honour they have been waiting to bestow upon him and had it not been for a certain Spaniard they might have done so sooner.
Frenchman Julien Benneteau of course is the home favourite and will not be without support as they play to the Parisian crowd, but even French fans cannot be so deluded. There is only one outcome.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Marat Safin +275 Juan Martin Del Potro -450

Match Time: 05:00 A.M. Eastern time Wednesday November 11, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: World No.5 Juan Martin Del Potro is set to take on world No. 65 Marat Safin for the first time ever. Del Potro has the clear on paper edge over Safin in terms of ranking and overall season. He is 49-13 with three titles, including the US Open title after beating Roger Federer in a five set marathon.

However, recent form is questionable. Del Potro has not won a match since that momentous triumph at Flushing – which was his maiden Grand Slam victory mind and a dream come true (his words) for the Tandil giant. He was a first round casualty in Tokyo and Vienna.

Safin has had an underwhelming season, arriving in Paris with an 18-21 mark. Recently, there have been sporadic performances that could be considered encouraging – a quarterfinal finish in Beijing and a semi-final finish in St. Petersburg.

Del Potro enters this match as the firm favourite but with the recent drop in form, he isn’t looking like the sure play. Moreover, Safin has a chance in this match. He has been playing better lately – we all know he is capable of even better, like ousting a top dog like Del Potro.

Tennis Free Picks: Safin in three sets