Those interested in ATP betting will turn their eyes to New York for the next two weeks, as the final Grand Slam of the year arrives at the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows. Out of 128 participants, the US Open sees four truly great tennis players fighting for the trophy – the unstoppable Novak Djokovic, the dynamic Rafael Nadal, the classy Roger Federer and the gritty-Brit Andy Murray.

ATP Betting – Will Injury Hurt Djokovic’s Chances?

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic (2.550*) has been all-but unstoppable this year, losing only one match (to Roger Federer) when fully-fit.

His recent defeat, in the Cincinnati Masters final to Andy Murray, came at the expense of a shoulder injury and marked his first defeat on hard courts this year.

His form on the surface has been exceptional. He’s picked up five hardcourt titles this season, and in the past 52 weeks the Serbian has won 88.5% of his matches. This record is undoubtedly in part because of his ability to hold his serve – saving 68% of his break points.

Having appeared in the 2010 final, Djokovic will want to make this Grand Slam count – adding to his Australian Open and Wimbledon success.

His first real challenge of the Grand Slam should come in the third round to either Nikolay Davydenko (228.770*) or Ivan Dodig, although neither should challenge the ace.

The quarter finals will probably throw up the on-form Gael Monfils (127.540*) or Tomas Berdych (64.280*) – both of whom the World No. 1 has dispatched in recent weeks.

ATP Betting – Nadal and Federer Hopes

Second-seed Rafael Nadal (5.500*) arrives in New York onto his least favourite surface, on a poor run of form and suffering from a number of niggling injuries.

The reigning French Open champion has not won a title on hardcourts this year, and has a record of 21 – 6; much worse than Djokovic’s 33 – 1 or even Federer’s 26 – 6.

His discomfort on the surface showed through in his past two tournaments, exciting early in Montreal and a receiving a quarter-final elimination in Cincinnati.

Despite these issues, Nadal will have fond memories of Flushing Meadows – the site where he completed his Golden Slam of all four Grand Slams and an Olympic medal.

The Spaniard will most likely face fellow Iberian David Ferrer (178.150*) in the quarterfinals – a man who caused Nadal some difficulty in the Australian Open earlier this year.

No other active player has racked up more hardcourt victories than Roger Federer’s (6.260*) 472 – 1—more victories than top-seed Djokovic, despite playing fewer matches. This form has earned him 45 titles.

No other player in the Modern Era has been more successful in the US Open, with consecutive wins between 2004 and 2008, plus a final appearance in ’09.

The key to Federer’s challenge is his serve – he’s scored 374 aces this season, which have helped him win the point in 78% of first serves. Should Federer managed to reload this weapon, he’ll undoubtedly do better than his poor Montréal and Cincinnati performances.

Unfortunately, the Fed Express might have to face Jo-Wilfred Tsonga (32.400*) in the quarterfinals, who has got the better of him in their past two meetings. It’s either the Frenchman or on-form Mardy Fish (31.630*) – both a tough challenge.

ATP Betting – Murray Hopeful

Another possibility for US Open success is Andy Murray (6.020*), fresh from his Cincinnati victory. In the games he played against Djokovic during the final, the Brit looked the player. How much of this was down to injury, however, is unclear.

Andy Murray has a 13-5 record on hardcourts this season, although he has picked up a title. And in his career, he’s already earned four more trophies than Rafael Nadal on the surface.

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The Detroit Tigers will want to give the Cleveland Indians a mauling on Tuesday, as the two sides’ battle it out in an AL Central derby. On Monday, the Boston Red Sox travel to Minnesota, where MLB betting fans will have to decide whether Tim Wakefield’s good form can continue. For the best MLB odds, bet now with Pinnacle Sports.

MLB Betting – Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins (August 8th)

The Red Sox (1.833*) will send knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to the mound on Monday night as they begin a three-game road series in Minnesota against the Twins (2.130*).

Wakefield (6-4, 4.99 ERA) has been a solid option for the Red Sox lately, allowing just three earned runs in four of his past five starts. His good form has led Boston to a 7-3 record in his last 10 appearances.

The Twins will go with Scott Baker (8-6, 3.01 ERA) on Monday night, with the right-hander having given up six runs on 13 hits over his last 10 innings.

Overall, the Twins are 4-1 over Baker’s last five starts, and the right-hander has allowed three or fewer earned runs in eight of his 10 most recent outings.

Boston Red Sox (1.833*), Minnesota Twins (2.130*)

MLB Betting – Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers (August 8th)

Riding a personal three-game winning streak, Roy Halladay will pitch for the Phillies (1.621*) on Monday as they start a three-game road set against the Dodgers (2.510*).

Halladay (14-4, 2.55 ERA) is coming off consecutive wins over the Padres, Pirates, and Rockies, surrendering six earned runs and fanning 20 over those 22 innings.

The Phillies have been almost a lock for a win when Halladay pitches this season, as they’ve compiled a 19-4 record in 2011.

Hiroki Kuroda (7-13, 2.96 ERA) is the Dodgers’ probable Monday starter; he blanked the Padres on four hits over seven innings when he last pitched.

Philadelphia Phillies (1.621*), Los Angeles Dodgers (2.510*)

MLB Betting – Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians (August 9th)

The Tigers will try to bury the Indians in the AL Central standings as those teams hit the field to get a three-game set in Cleveland started on Tuesday.

Doug Fister (4-12, 3.29 ERA) starts for Detroit on Tuesday; he won his debut with the team last time out, holding the Rangers to three runs over seven innings.

Right-hander Fister came to the Tigers via a deal with the Mariners prior to the trade deadline; the Mariners had won just one of Fister’s previous nine hill trips.

The Tribe counter with Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.63 ERA) on Tuesday. Masterson is 0-1 with a no-decision in two starts against the Tigers so far this year.

Round-Up

The Red Sox and Twins continue their series on Tuesday night, with left-hander Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55 ERA) making his second start for Boston in that contest.

Bedard made his first start for Boston last week at home against the Indians, taking a no-decision after allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings that night.

Over in the NL on Tuesday, the Giants (1.581*) host the Pirates (2.610*), where San Fran’s Madison Bumgarner (6-11, 3.71 ERA) will try to stop his two-game losing streak.

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