KOHLSCHREIBER AND FERRER CLASH AT THE ATP MONACO QUARTERS

Philipp Kohlschreiber defeated British hopeful Andy Murray 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters and followed up with a victory over compatriot Philipp Petzschner (who?) in the third round to book his spot in the quarterfinals, opposite David Ferrer after he advanced into the final eight with a win over Ivan Ljubicic.
William Hill is at the forefront of the ATP Monaco betting impetus, bringing more than 20 markets on each and every match, including the clash between Kohlschreiber and Ferrer. Piloting these markets is the outright win market, the odds on each player to win this clash. Kohlschreiber is the mere 9/4 puppy while Ferrer is the 1/3 favourite. 
First things first, Kohlschreiber beating Murray – the result didn’t surprise me. The upshot might have sent a seismic tremor or two in tennis betting circles. I accordingly gave it only the most subconscious of consideration.
I am not one to brag – I think I am above that. Nor am I the sort to beat a player down when he is clearly down. I like to stick to some hard fast rules when handicapping tennis a) try to be objective and avoid declaring undying loyalty on behalf of any player and b) never delight in any player’s losses. Since Murray arrived on the scene, I have never found it so hard to adhere to the second rule.
But I will try.
Reality check: since the Aussie Open debacle against Federer in the final, Murray has lost the plot. Worse: he has been uncharacteristically, flat and emotionless. I can’t believe I am going to say this, but I sort of miss him moping and murmuring about. At least when he did the whole mope-mutter-murmur routine, I knew he cared. Now, I just don’t know what to think of this subdued version of Muzz. Don’t like it for starts.
I am not one to rain on a player’s parade but given the facts Kohlschreiber beating Murray isn’t all that impressive. And if you watched the match, you would have been suitably unimpressed by both players –Kohlschreiber didn't need to do much to win and Murry did everything he could to lose.
One could argue the result should have been expected, for several reasons a) all of the above, b) he had just been dumped in the second round of Miami by Mardy Fish and c) he isn’t a gazelle on clay.
Kohlschreiber beating Murray now in perspective let us move on briefly to his subsequent match. All I will say is don’t read too much into it. I mean, please people, we are talking about a no-name Philipp Petzschner and not a top-ten player as the backup win for the upset.  A win over Petzschner is not exactly a victory to rebuff a naysayer like me.
What I am trying to say is that Kohlschreiber benefited from a relatively capricious section of the draw to reach the quarterfinals but he won't be so fortunate anymore. Ferrer is not a fickle sort and he will be Kohlschrieber's first real test of the tournament. If Kohlschreiber backs up his run with a win over Ferrer, a clay-court specialist, on solid form ahead of their clash with one clay court title already in the bag and a 4-3 edge in their H2H series, I might take him seriously. Until then forgive me if I don't put stock into his value.