Roger Federer is the big favourite going into next week’s tournament in Houston
Masters Cup: Federer beware! — of Safin
Tennis Masters Cup, Houston, Nov. 15 — Roger Federer is the big favourite going into Tennis Masters Cup tournament starting today in Houston and featuring the year’s top-8 performers. But Marat Safin, looking for revenge after his defeat by Federer in this year’s Australian Open final, could surprise the bookmakers.
Federer, Winner of three grand slam titles and the first man to go a perfect 10-0 in finals in a calendar year, the Swiss has enjoyed 12 months of success unmatched in the men's game.
Federer returns to defend his Masters Cup title as the most feared opponent of his generation and looking to cement a place among the sport's all-time greats.
The one chink in Roger Federer’s armour, however, may be a thigh injury sustained at his home tournament in Basel nearly four weeks ago. While confident of being fit to play, he may be slow to find his form, which would make him vulnerable in the opening group stages of this event.
The world number one will have to play Lleyton Hewitt, Carlos Moya and Gaston Gaudio in the Red Group. The Blue Group consists of Andy Roddick, Tim Henman, Guillermo Coria and Russian Marat Safin who is undoubtedly the form player coming into this, having won two Masters events in the last three weeks (Paris and Madrid).
No player hits the ball as powerfully as Safin, nor can they intimidate opponents the way the Russian can - when in the mood - and he is a sporting tip for glory against Federer. Pick: Safin @ 10/3.
Federer Evens, Marat Safin 10/3, Andy Roddick 4/1, Lleyton Hewitt 6/1, Tim Henman 20/1, others on bet365 website. Bet In-Play subject to TV coverage.
Starts today.
