ATP Valencia Open: All-Spanish affairs for Lopez and Verdasco

Valencia, Spain – Spaniards Felicano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco begin their bid on Wednesday night when they go head-to-head with compatriots, and veterans, Alberto Martin and Oscar Hernandez, respectively in the Valencia Open first round.

The double-all-Spanish header sets up an exciting night for home fans. Though all four players are Spanish and they will be playing for an all-Spanish crowd, support will surely be behind Lopez and Verdasco, the No.4 seed, in their respective first rounder encounters. The pair are massively popular in Spain and it doesn’t hurt they are the nation’s fashion-plate players as well. The crowd will want to see them both around a little while longer.

Tennis Betting Line: Alberto Martin +300 Feliciano Lopez -500

Match Time:12:00 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday November 4, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: World No. 46 Feliciano Lopez enters the first round clash against compatriot, world No. 119 Alberto Martin as the favourite to win outright, listed at firm odds of -500. However, Lopez trails 1-2 lifetime against Martin. Fortunately, Lopez has the last victory between the two, which came in Barcelona last year. Lopez beat Martin 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Aside from owning the more recent victory, Lopez has other positives going for him. He has been showing a slight upward trend in performance lately, suggesting a turnaround might be on the horizon. It is no secret Lopez has had his share of woes; he is an underwhelming 16-22 on the year ahead of Valencia. But a recent coaching change seems to have had the desirable effect as he featured in the Shanghai semis and Vienna quarters. Since and including Shanghai, Lopez is 11-3 in tournament play.

Current form has to trump the overall h2h record between these two, making Lopez the better play. Lopez should take this match but don’t be surprised if it isn’t a straightforward victory.

Tennis Free Picks: Lopez in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Fernando Verdasco -3000 Oscar Hernandez +1000

Match Time:12:00 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday November 4, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: It will be the first ever meeting at an ATP level event between world No.8 Fernando Verdasco and world No.75 Oscar Hernandez. The pair met once before. At the lower circuits, wherein Hernandez beat Verdasco 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The encounter is just over seven years old and we can safely assume it bears absolutely no significance on their upcoming encounter. Not only was Hernandez 24-years-old at the time, a right spring chicken, but Verdasco was just a greenhorn at 17. Although, he did take a more experienced Hernandez at the time to a third and deciding set.

When they meet this time, circumstances will be different but the parity will be off just the same. This time tipping in favour of Verdasco. Verdasco is in his best-ever form and ranked inside the top 10; meanwhile, Hernandez is just coasting in the top 100 and getting up there in age, 31. As you might expect, Verdasco is an untouchable favourite to win outright and more likely than not he will win handily.

Tennis Free Picks: Verdasco in straight sets