FRENCH OPEN BETTING CAN MELZER SPOIL DJOKOVIC PARISIAN PARTY

An inspired Jurgen Melzer will aim to spoil Novak Djokovic’s Parisian party when he goes up against the Serbian in the men’s singles quarterfinal today. Djokovic is a victory away from a spot in the semis and a potential clash against Rafael Nadal (providing Nadal beats Almagro in the second quarterfinal of the day, that is).
When the draw was released many pundits had the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry slotted for the semis – and should it come about it  would be the hottest ticket in town. The expectation is that it would live up or even exceed expectations. Only Melzer and Almagro are left as potential party poopers.  
William Hill has rolled out a veritable delight in tennis betting markets on this attention-worthy clash. Djokovic is the solid 1/4 favourite while Melzer is the distinct 11/4 puppy.
Djokovic arrived in Paris the dark horse of the tournament. In the French Open lead up he hadn’t been up the standard he had set in 2009 but everybody knew that if he were to hit his stride he was always going to be a viable challenger.
Melzer is the surprise quarterfinalist in this section of the draw. Melzer is through to his first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal at the ripe age of 29. He hasn’t ever had a whiff of this stage and certainly he has never gone beyond.
Can Melzer do something he has never done before at this late stage in his career? Odds are against him.
To beating World No.3 Novak Djokovic is easier said than done. Melzer will be really tested in the effort and while it is theoretically possible it will have to come with some help from the Serbian methinks.
Perhaps, a bizarre meltdown, not unlike the bizarre losses this season to Fernando Verdasco and Olivier Rochus no less.  
Of course this is a best-of-five scenario match, so if Melzer is to accomplish the feat he has to commit for the long haul. Yet, because it is such a long haul one has to give the edge to Djokovic in the end.  Experience trumps all.