Federer and Djokovic - The Value in Monte Carlo

The Swiss Super Gun is back on track with a timely win in the first clay event in Europe for the year. The Russian Nikolay Davydenko did a very "Davydenko" type of thing and retired hurt when Federer powered to an early lead in the final. Federer was very relieved after winning his first tournament this year and was especially happy with the win on the surface that represents the only hurdle in his quest for tennis immortality.

This week sees the start of the prestigious Monte Carlo event and an excellent field has assembled as the world's best turn their attention to the French Open which starts in May. Partybets.com is one of the best sites when it comes to tennis betting and they will field on all matches and futures.

This tournament is an excellent form guide when it comes to the French Open and astute judges will be looking at some of the younger guns and lesser known players who may be able to win a few early games in Paris. Gasquet, Amagro, Monaco, Volandri and Soderling are all interesting starters and ones to follow.

When it comes to the winner, the Spanish Bull, Nadal is very short at $1.67. Nadal may be the greatest clay courter of all time, but this is a very short quote and I for one am not sure he is at his peak early in this European season. Having said that, he has looked to be playing bad tennis leading up to the clay court season before and has silenced everyone by systematically destroying all opposition he has faced.

Federer is the second pick and offers some clear value at $4.33 but this is a far tougher field than he strolled through last week. Djokovic is the only other runner under double figures and will start at $6.00. The very solid Serbian is certainly a chance at both Monte Carlo and at the French Open. He is a quiet achiever and appears to have that ability to rise to the occasion like he did at the Australian Open earlier this year.

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