ATP Valencia Quarterfinals: Gilles Simon vs. Mikhail Youzhny

Valencia, Spain – Frenchman Gilles Simon, the fifth seed, is set to go head-to-head with his nemesis, Russian Mikhail Youzhny, a player he has yet to beat in four tries. Two of those failed attempts came this term at London Queen’s Club in the summer, and as recently as Tokyo last month.

Simon will be looking to snap the negative trend against Youzhny when they go head-to-head in the quarters on Friday. Youzhny, meanwhile, will aim to continue the positive trend against Simon to land a spot in the semis.

Simon kicked off a solid fall swing after finishing in the R32 at the US Open by winning the title in Bangkok. He slowed down in Tokyo with a R16 finish (l. to Youzhny) but picked up momentum in Shanghai, wherein he finished in the quarters (l. to Djokovic), and in Lyon, wherein he finished in the semis after losing an emotional all-French affair against Michael Llodra.

Youzhny had been suffering from poor play for so long he was starting to be forgotten, a has-been in many respects. Yet, things started to turnaround for the Russian during the Asian fall swing when he reached the quarterfinals at Kuala Lumpur, and underscored that run with a runner-up finish at the subsequent Japan Open in Tokyo. Youzhny then capped the largely successful Asian swing with a home title in Moscow.

Tennis Betting Line: Gilles Simon -130 Mikhail Youzhny -110

Match Time: 07:00 AM Eastern Time Friday November 6, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: In spite of owning an abysmal mark against Russian Mikhail Youzhny, Gilles Simon enters this match as the slim favourite, listed at -130 to win outright. Youzhny comes in a hairbreadth away at -110. Obviously, this match is a tossup for many reasons.

Given Simon’s ranking edge, currently weighing in at No.12, and an overall better season, he really should be winning some of these matches against Youzhny. The Russian only recently clawed his way back in the top 30, reaching No.23 this week. Yet, even when he was mired in a bit of a slump, he managed to beat Simon.

Simon is 42-27 on the season with a good few weeks behind him including a first title on 2009 in Bangkok. Youzhny is 38-27 on the season, also with a good few weeks behind him and a first title on 2009 in Moscow.

Whichever way you slice this match there is value to be had in both camps. It really comes down to which player will be the better player on that day. In my opinion, Simon has to finally break the deadlock and get into the win column. He has had two looks at Youzhny’s game this season and came close to winning both. He has to by now have figured out his errors and be able to bring a better game plan.

Tennis Free Picks: Simon in three sets