Tennis Master Cup Semis Line-up - Murray, Djokovic, Davydenko and Simon

Shanghai, China – No sports bettors it is not your imagination: Federer’s name does not figure in the final four. Andy Murray continued his undefeated streak when he beat Roger Federer today in three sets, crushing Federer’s title defence campaign.

Joining him from the Red Group is Gilles Simon of France who entered the event on an alternate pass when Rafael Nadal was forced to retire with knee tendinitis.

Alternate Gilles Simon of France is enjoying a sensational Masters Cup debut and after producing two consummate performances in the round robin stage – beating Roger Federer and Radek Stepanek (the only blemish on his record, a loss to Murray in the second round robin fixture).

Sure, his advancement in to the semis was at the expense of Federer – a shocking development at the circuit finale as it is the first time he fails to emerge into the semis – but sports bettors should not doubt that he deserves to be in the semis no matter how weird Federer’s absence in the latter stages seems.

Simon produces some great tennis in the latter half of the season and he has continued in that vein in Shanghai. His reward is a semi-final date with Novak Djokovic. The second semi-final matchup between Murray and Davydenko.

Tennis Betting Line:

Novak Djokovic -3 -140 -275 23½ O -115 U -125

Gilles Simon +3 Ev +190 23½ O -115 U -125

Match Time 04:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday November 15, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: Gilles Simon leads the series against Novak Djokovic after he beat Djokovic in Marseille 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3.

Tennis Betting Analysis: Gilles Simon has nothing to lose. He has everything to gain. He plays with heart and enthusiasm that is sorely missing in his opponent. Sure, Djokovic is favoured, and rightly so to some extent, I do not like the way the Serbian has been playing lately.

Tennis betting Verdict: If Gilles Simon employs the same tactic he did against Federer and Nadal, he can wear Djokovic down and capitalize on his mistakes.

Tennis Betting Pick: Simon in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line:

Andrew Murray -3 -115 -250 23½ O -130 U -110

Nikolay Davydenko +3 -125 +185 23½ O -130 U -110

Match Time 04:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday November 15, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: The series is tied 3-3.

Tennis Betting Analysis: One would be hard pressed to find a bettor willing to bet against Murray. For most the Scot has the title in the bag, all he needs to do is win his upcoming two matches. He had an exhausting contest against Federer today but he is so close to the finish line. The competitor he is I believe he will figure in the Tennis Masters Cup final come Sunday.

Tennis betting Verdict: This will be a tough match but if Murray is in top form he can take it in two tight sets.

Tennis Betting Pick: Murray in straight sets

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room