Dire straits in Shanghai for Federer as he collides with Murray

Shanghai, China – Top seed and defending champion Roger Federer put himself back in contention in Shanghai when he won his second Red Group match today. After an opening round loss to late entrant Gilles Simon – the Frenchman received his Shanghai ticket when Rafael Nadal was forced to withdraw with knee tendinitis – Federer’s title defence campaign was set back something huge. And with Andy Roddick looming as his second opponent, Murray his third, Federer was not looking too hot all of a sudden in the sports betting market.

Federer received a bit of a reprieve today when Andy Roddick withdrew from the circuit finale with an ankle injury he sustained during practice prior to the Red Group match. Radek Stepanek accepted the role of alternate (replacing Roddick) even though he has no hope of advancing into the semis – number of matches played is the key to advancement in Shanghai. With Federer winning 7-6(4), 6-4 and taking the all-important point he is back in with a chance of securing a berth in the semis.

However, Murray holds Federer’s Master Cup destiny in his hands – a dazzling prospect for BetUS Sportsbook bettors. Fiery Scot Andy Murray hopes to bring his year to a scintillating end. He has a perfect record up this point in round robin action and a 3-2 edge over Federer. There could be no more a scintillating prospect then beating the defending champion and ending his Masters Cup bid.

Murray left no doubt of his intention to win this prestigious trophy with his convincing performance against Roddick and Simon. Now that he is set to reunite with Federer, the prideful player he is, no performance but a convincing one against the maestro would be satisfactory. Look for Murray to carry the momentum in to the semis with another convincing performance against the maestro and establish himself as the heir apparent for the trophy.

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -150 Andrew Murray +110

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Friday November 14, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: Murray leads the series 3-2. In 2008, they are level 1-1. Federer beat Murray at the US Open final in straight sets. Murray avenged the loss in Madrid; en route to the title, he beat Federer in the semis 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Tennis Betting Analysis: For Federer this is a must win match. There is a lot at stake for the stoic champion not to mention pride as well. He is on the butt of qualifying for the semis and the only scenario that guarantees his advancement is a victory over Murray (in this scenario Simon would also have to lose to Stepanek). Despite trailing 2-3 to Murray, the odds makers give Federer the favourite nod. By contrast, Murray has already qualified so there is no pressure for him in terms of Masters Cup contention in this match. As such, Murray at +100 underdog odds is a steal – particularly as he has a positive record against Federer.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Murray wants to beat Federer. The Scot holds the destiny of the Red Group in his hands– if he beats Federer, the four-time Masters Cup champion would be out. Heady power for the fiery Scot to yield and you had better believe he relishes the position he is in. He will not try to lose tomorrow. At the same time, Federer will try to win. If he wins, Federer moves to the semis and Simon’s run would be over. And considering Simon beat Federer in the first Red Group fixture, that will be apt retribution for the audacity. Such are the intricacies of this match.