ATP Lyon Quarters: Ljubicic and Serra battle for a spot in the semis

Lyon, France—French tennis fans have been treated to a standout performance by the French contingent in Lyon with seven of the eight quarterfinal berths landed by French players. Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, the former world No.3 and 2001 Lyon champion, is the only player that flies a flag other than the French and gives the tournament its only international flavour.

Ljubicic will aim to derail at least one of the seven Frenchmen in Friday’s quarterfinal when he collides with Florent Serra.

Head-to-head, Ljubicic owns the perfect 3-0 edge over Serra, which includes a 1-0 edge on 2009 having beaten Serra at the Cincinnati Masters R64 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Tennis Betting Line: Ivan Ljubicic vs. Florent Serra

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time Friday October 30, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Ivan Ljubicic is seeded third in Lyon. The 30-year-old veteran has had a modestly impressive season considering his age and the depth of the field today. He ranks a respectable No.29 in the world and takes a 28-21 mark into the quarters against Serra.

Recently, Ljubicic found his footing in Shanghai when he beat top players Verdasco and Monfils before losing to Rafael Nadal in the quarters after taking a set off the Spaniard mind. He retired in the third set with a hip injury, if truth were told causing many to speculate on the “what-if-he-had-indeed-finished-the-match-and-beaten-Nadal” scenario.

Nevertheless, we will not really know. But his prior victories over some of the games brightest players go further to prove Ljubicic is a viable contender in Lyon.

Indeed, given Ljubicic’s current form one has to give the edge to him in this match. Serra will have home edge going for him and as he typically doesn’t go out without a fight, the match should be competitive. Yet, Ljubicic always played at a higher level than Serra did and he should do so again.

Tennis Free Picks: Ljubicic in straight sets