The semi-finals at the ATP1000 Rome Masters take place today and my tip to land a sixth title at Foro Italico Rafael Nadal is looking as strong as ever.
He dumped Czech Tomas Berdych in straight sets to set up a clash with fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.
World No.3 Nadal leads Ferrer 14-4 in their previous meetings and therefore should book his place in Sunday's final.
Nadal is a best-priced 1-8 with Betfred and Paddy Power, world No.6 Ferrer can be backed at 6-1 with bet365, Sportingbet, BetVictor and Stan James.
Your best chance of a worthwhile return in the first of the last-four clashes is to back Nadal in three sets (4-1, William Hill).
The other semi-final matches the top two in the world – Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
I reckon this one will also go three sets but I'm backing world No.2 Fed to beat Djokovic.
Swiss ace Fed thrashed Andreas Seppi yesterday and is in the midst of a blistering resurgence in form and has already bagged four titles this year.
Rome champion Djokovic has helped himself to two titles in 2012 but Fed leads the Serbian 14-10 in previous meetings and my money's on him to stretch his advantage.
Federer is the outsider at 5-4 with Stan James while Djokovic is 4-5 with bet365, Skybet and Paddy Power.
Best bet again is three sets and for me it's Federer to advance 2-1 (18-5, BetVictor).
Recommendations
Nadal 2-1 (4-1, William Hill).
Federer 2-1 (18-5, BetVictor).
