US Open: Day 7 Betting Analysis and Picks
By Charles Bricker
(11) FERNANDO GONZALEZ VS. (18) TOMAS BERDYCH
This is a wonderful matchup between veteran players, who both have had tough matches to reach the third round. They've played six times previously, with Gonzo winning the first three, Berdych the last three - including an abbreviated victory in Cincinnati a couple weeks ago in which Gonzalez retired with a minor injury in the second set.
He's fully recovered heading into this match. Gonzo is more than just one of the biggest forehands in tennis now. He's learned patience and the ability to stay in rallies, but it won't be enough to overcome Berdych's power and serving. Close match but not a lot of long points.
Pick: Berdych +115
(3) VENUS WILLIAMS VS. KIM CLIJSTERS
Here's the one the tournament has been waiting for. With Clijsters out of retirement, these two haven't played since 2005 when Kimmy beat Venus in the quarters of the U.S. Open on the way to the title. Venus holds an overall 6-4 edge but most of those matches were played so long ago they mean nothing.
I like Clijsters to win and reach the quarters. She looks in great form and, while Venus has won her first three matches, she's had some struggles. She also has a lingering leg injury that will keep her from playing her best tennis.
Pick: Clijsters -140
(13) GAEL MONFILS VS. JOSE ACASUSO
Acasuso has enough wins over top players to make anyone in the Top 20 beware. But he's up against the fastest player in tennis and a young man who is quickly rounding into high form following a summer beset by injury.
I'll take Monfils to reach the round of 16, though he's played very few matches in the lead up to the Open, including missing Wimbledon. They've played only once before, on clay in Acapulco this year, with Monfils winning comfortably.
Pick: Monfils -400
(7) VERA ZVONAREVA VS. (10) FLAVIA PENNETTA
It's good to see the Russian back on court after nagging injuries inhibited her preparation for the Open. She had an impressive win over No. 31 Elena Vesnina in the last round, but the adventure stops here.
Pennetta has quietly become a big force in women's tennis the last few weeks. The counter-punching Italian brings a lot of veteran smarts to court and she's never been ranked higher. Good bettors match.
Pick: Pennetta -180