Events / Ben Caudell / 13 April 2010 /

Punters are finding it hard to call the clash between Berydch and Verdasco but Ben Caudell isn't

Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
This match is going to be an absolute corker, and is my pick of the third round clashes. Both players are evenly matched in terms of rankings and starting price on Betfair, and punters are finding it hard to decide on a winner.
I've been incredibly impressed with Berdych's start to the season; the Czech has matured immensely in the space of just two months, he is looking more and more at ease on the tennis court with his fitness, and shot making skills, continually improving. Berdych was formidable in his second round 6-2 6-0 defeat of Richard Gasquet. The Czech orchestrated the pattern of play from the back of the court hitting very few unforced errors and looking in control from the start of the match.
It's understandable that Berdych is playing with such confidence at the moment, just a couple of weeks ago the 24-year-old reached the final of the Miami Master Series event defeating none other than Roger Federer, Robin Soderling and Thursday's opponent, Verdasco. In fact Berdych has defeated the Spaniard twice recently, the other result a 6-0 6-3 win at Indian Wells a week earlier. The overall head-to-head series also favours Berdych; he leads 6-3 including two wins on clay and is currently 8-2 versus left-handers.
Verdasco will be an extremely tough opponent to defeat on the clay - it's his favourite surface - however all the stats point to a Berdych win and I believe there is definitely value in backing the in-form man at just above even money.
Selection: Back Tomas Berdych @ [2.06] to win


Jo Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) v Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
This is another mouthwatering match to get involved in with the big hitting Tsonga up against one of the most established clay courters of his generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Both players have shown exceptional prowess so far at this year's Monte Carlo event, Ferrero has knocked back the years and is looking fresher than ever and ready for the fight. Tsonga has the ability and power to defeat any player he faces, he knocked out clay court specialist Nicolas Almagro in the previous round in what has been described as his best ever performance on the surface.
Ferrero will want to avenge his recent loss to Tsonga at the Miami Masters, he has won this event twice already and is currently 9-1 on the clay with two tournament wins and one final appearance to his name this year. The only person I can see defeating Ferrero in this tournament is Nadal and if all goes to plan they will meet in the next round.
Selection: Back Juan Carlos Ferrero @ [1.7] to win match

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