The Overrule: Madrid

By Sports Magician

ATP MADRID

Madrid is Roger Federer's last salvation if he is to gain important match practice on clay before the French Open. Federer, who won Madrid last year beating Rafael Nadal in the final, has had a disappointing clay court season thus far but is once again provided with a kind draw. Federer may meet Stanislas Wawrinka in the third round as well as a prospective meeting with David Ferrer in the last four - whom he has a 9-0 record against.

Nadal has been made too short for the Overrule to back outright, but it will take a monumental effort to beat him. Federer overcame Nadal in last year’s final, but the Spaniard was exhausted after an epic semi-final with Novak Djokovic, who misses the tournament through illness. Nicolas Almagro can begin what is likely to be the first of many Spanish victories this week with a straight sets win against Serbian Viktor Troicki. In what is likely to be an almost Davis Cup-like atmosphere, Almagro can dictate proceedings both with his serve and from the baseline.

PICK: 3*(SET BETTING) NICOLAS ALMAGRO BEAT VIKTOR TROICKI 2-0 @ 2.10 (PADDY POWER)

PICK: 4*(EACH-WAY) ROGER FEDERER WIN MADRID @ 7.00 (1/2 ODDS 1-2 PLACES) (LADBROKES)

WTA MADRID

Justine Henin suffered a shock first round loss against Aravene Rezai on Sunday and leaves a straight fight between Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic for the title of tournament favourite. Serena lost out to Jankovic last week, blowing the match countless times, but will be set on revenge in Madrid. Another semi-final between the two will be much anticipated by all. Victoria Azarenka is overpriced in the bottom half of the draw due to her lingering injury problems. Azarenka played on despite obvious discomfort against Ana Ivanovic in Rome, but taking her place in the draw so close to the French Open indicates that she is fully fit to return. Another player who has been dealing with injuries, Caroline Wozniacki, takes her place in the same quarter of the draw as Vika.

PICK: 4*(EACH-WAY) SERENA WILLIAMS WIN MADRID @ 4.00 (1/2 ODDS 1-2 PLACES) (STAN JAMES / LADBROKES)

PICK: 1*(EACH-WAY) VICTORIA AZARENKA WIN MADRID @ 17.00 (1/2 ODDS 1-2 PLACES) (LADBROKES)

Sports Magician