2008 Pacific Life Open
James Blake and Rafael Nadal made it past their fourth round matches to make it into the quarter finals of the 2008 Pacific Life Open. Blake and Nadal now face each other for a chance to advance into the semi-finals. Bodog.com has Nadal as -140 odds favorite over Blake who is listed as EVEN underdog. Get your bet in at Bodog.com
The much anticipated matchup between Nadal and Tsonga lived up to its hype. Nadal won in straight sets at last year’s US Open and Tsonga steamrolled the World No. 2 in the Aussie Open semifinals. Tsonga appeared on the brink of eliminating Nadal once again, breaking the Spaniard to go up 4-2, but then faltered as he served for the win at 5-3. Tsonga dropped serve again two games later; he double faulted at deuce and then committed another forehand error. Nadal served out to love, prevailing 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 7-5 in just over three hours.
James Blake made easy work of No.8 seeded Richard Gasquet of France, 6-4, 6-2 to secure his place in the quarterfinals. Blake has had great success against Nadal; Blake is 3-0 SU against Nadal. He’s beaten him during the 2006 Pacific Life Open semi-finals 7-5, 6-3, 2006 Tennis Masters Cup 6-4, 7-6 (0), and at the 2005 US Open 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Blakes best performance in 2008 was runner-up in the 2008 Delray Beach International. He is the second-ranked American player behind Andy Roddick, Blake is known for his speed and powerful forehands.
James Blake vs Rafael Nadal
First Serve: Thurs, Mar 20, 2008 9:00 PM ET
Line: Bodog.com
Pick: James Blake
The Bottom Line: James Blake has beaten Nadal three straight matches and yet odds makers still favor Nadal, who barely made it past Tsonga. I smell an underdog win. Get your bet in now at Bodog.com
