Indian Wells Daily Tips: Is Nadal back to his best?

Events / Sean Calvert / 18 March 2010 / Leave a Comment

Nice shorts

If you're looking for a nice, steady favourite today to counterbalance those Cheltenham losses, then Nadal to win the match at [1.37] should do the job nicely.

His shorts may leave a little to be desired but, after enduring a torrid 12 months, the former-world number one is rediscovering his best form and should have more than enough to overcome Thomas Berdych today. Sean Calvert selects the best bets.

Wednesday at Indian Wells started off excellently with John Isner grabbing a set off Rafa Nadal and rewarding those who layed the 2-0 Nadal win. Unfortunately, I then broke one of my own cardinal rules of betting, which is 'never get involved in a Tomas Berdych match' and it cost me.

As Thursday brings another Berdych match and little else, I'll have to try a spot of alchemy and foresee how the Czech will fare today against Nadal. The match should hopefully go to form and be a comfortable passage through to the semis for the Spaniard so I'm going to recommend a Nadal 2-0 win at around [1.85].

Berdych has failed to take a set off Nadal in their last five meetings, some of which have been real hammerings, and, with the defending champ back on form, he should prove too strong. One of Berdych's many faults as a tennis player is that he throws the towel in far too quickly and if Nadal takes the first set expect the Czech to fade and the match to end soon afterwards.

If you're looking for a nice, steady favourite today to counterbalance those Cheltenham losses, then Nadal to win the match at [1.37] should do the job nicely.

The day's other match is harder to call, but you've got to side with Ivan Ljubicic to take out Juan Monaco at around [1.73]. The veteran Croat has a very good record at Indian Wells and has only lost to class opposition here. Fresh from his fine win over Novak Djokovic, he should be too strong for Monaco.

The Argentine has had some long, tiring three setters so far this week and he could fade if he goes behind early again today. He has had his injury problems again this season and this could be a step too far for Monaco, so go for the Ljubicic win at [1.73].