Ferrer Aims to Derail Nadal in Monte Carlo Semis

Rafael Nadal is on course to a sixth consecutive Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title. Standing in his way of a spot in Sunday’s premier movement is compatriot, friend and Davis Cup teammate David Ferrer.

Nadal reaches the semis on the back of an awe-inspiring display of clay court tennis, dropping two games in his first two matches, and a further six games in his quarterfinal match against compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero.

As good as Nadal has been, critics point to the fact that he hasn’t faced opposition that would send nervous tremors through the market. De Bakker and Berrer were lightweights that were always going to be packed off in style; though how brutally he managed to do so even they cannot make light of.

While Ferrero loomed larger than De Bakker and Berrer did, there was still an overwhelming confidence Nadal would prevail. Which he did and in fine fettle.

David Ferrer is a player that is expected to be his toughest contest yet, evinced by the scaled down odds on Nadal. In spite of the scaled down market on Nadal, he is still a very solid favourite to win outright but the distinctly negative move might give some tennis bettors pause. The natural consideration: might there be value in Ferrer to orchestrate the upset, which would be the biggest upset of the season, make no mistake.

I cannot say there isn’t value in bucking the trend – clearly Ferrer’s odds are tempting in price to make them valuable as far as the promised, attractive payout is (should they come through, that is). What I can say: I just don’t see it happening.