Madrid Masters Betting: Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic

Events / Ben Caudell / 08 May 2011 / 1

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Nadal is unbeaten in 38 matches on clay and doesn't intend for his run to stop here

"With both players at the top of their form I can see this match being played out over another three sets, with Nadal ending up the eventual winner once again."

The two best players in the world go head-to-head this afternoon and something's got to give. Will it be Nadal's unbeaten run on clay or Djokovic's winning streak in 2011, asks Ben Caudell.

The two current best players in the world meet for their third tournament final of 2011 and their 26th career head-to-head encounter, which Nadal has a commanding 16-9 lead in.

Home favourite and number one seed Rafael Nadal will be looking to take his revenge out on the Australian Open champion (and winner of five titles this year) - Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard lost to the Serbian in two close fought tournament finals, both going to a third set, in Indian Wells and Miami during the American hard-court swing back in March. Novak will no doubt fancy his chances on a surface that he performs best on.

Two amazing winning streaks will be on the line on Sunday. Not only will Rafa's 38 wins in a row on a clay court be in jeopardy but the Serb will be risking a run of 37 matches without a loss, spanning back to November 2010 when he was defeated by Roger Federer in the ATP World Tour Finals.

More relevant however is the fact that Nadal is 9-0 against his opponent on the red stuff and this dominance is highlighted by the number of sets he has conceded from those nine matches. Of the 24 sets played on clay, Nadal has lost only three against the Serbian.

There are encouraging signs for Djokovic though. Not only has he won their two meetings so far this year, in their last match-up here in the semi-finals two years ago, the world No. 2 held three match points before being defeated 3-6 7-6 7-6 in a match that lasted a three-set record of just over four hours.

With both players at the top of their form I can see this match being played out over another three sets, with Nadal ending up the eventual winner once again. Therefore my best bet is to back overs on the total games market and for Nadal to lose a set. This should be a cracking game of tennis so make sure you don't miss it.

Recommended Bets:

Lay Nadal 2-0 @ [1.99]
Back Over 22.5 Games @ [2.06]

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creuz | 08 May 2011

What makes this game particularly dangerous for Nadal is the fact that the two players Djokovic faced in Ferrer and Bellucci combined, share Nadal's strengths. Ferrer his return super ability and Bellucci's left hand, strong serve and lethal backhand. The experience has prepared Djokovic for this. Nerves and fatigue would decide the looser's faith in this final :)