Roger Federer remains the second favorite but his price just got longer.

Roger Federer was a crushing favorite to win the ATP Estoril clay court event however things did not go exactly to plan.

Federer fell to Albert Montanes in the semis as the Spaniard joined the growing list of players who have scored first time victories over the Swiss Maestro in the last year.

Most sportsbooks are now lengthening the price on Federer in the outright winner's market for men's singles and Paddy Power still offer the best odds for Fed's die-hard backers. Previously Federer was at +500 but after crashing out of Estoril, Federer's price has drifted to +600 (6/1) with the sportsbook.

If there is a good reason to back Fed, it's because he plays his best tennis at the Slams - even when he is struggling in the lesser tournaments.  The 2010 Australian Open is a case in point as, prior to Melbourne, the Swiss Maestro had not won a tennis tournament since the summer hard court season.  However he still ran the tables and choked up Andy Murray in straight sets to claim the Slam and that was despite the fact that there were more than a few non-believers out there.

Roger Federer was our recommendation immediately following the Australian Open but that appears to have been a mistake.  If Federer can't win 250 level tournaments then it is incredibly difficult to envision him winning in Roland Garros outright.

Truthfully Federer may not be recommendable just to win his quarter despite his impressive consecutive semifinals runs in Grand Slam.

Roger Federer: bettors beware.

Although generally shortening, Rafael Nadal's best price is with William Hill (-225, 4/9).