posted May 8, 2008 at 19:41 in Tennis Betting Trends

Rome, Italy – The ATP Masters Series in Rome has been good to the American contingent, with both Andy Roddick and James Blake reaching the quarterfinals. BetUS Sportsbook offering tennis betting action on this premier event, so as Roddick and Blake vie for Ra place in the final four, check out the tennis betting odds and place your online tennis wagers.

Tennis Betting Line: Andy Roddick vs. Tommy Robredo

Match Time: 07:00 AM Eastern Time Friday May 9, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: The path to the semi-final runs through Tommy Robredo and with a perfect 7-0 record against the Spaniard, Roddick must like his odds of accomplishing the feat. The last time Roddick reached the semi-final in Rome was in 2002; ironically at the time, he defeated Robredo in the quarterfinal 6-4, 7-6(2). Indeed, a bit of a déjà vu for both players.

Andy Roddick is in a premier position to reach the semi-final round in Rome for the second time in his career. He arrived in Rome with a 21-4 mark for the year; improving to 23-4 with victories over Mardy Fish and Simone Boleilli.

Tommy Robredo, on the other hand, had a dismal hard court season; but once the tour entered the spring clay-court season, his tournament play saw an uptake. He arrived with an 11-9 mark. He improves to 14-9 with victories over Juan Ignacio Chela, Mario Ancic and Nikolay Davydenko.

Betting Verdict: This tournament has seen many mixed results. The outcome of this match, either way, can be interpreted as a mixed result. Roddick is not known for his clay court game, seeing him reach the final four in a clay court tournament would constitute a surprise. Should Robredo notch a victory over Roddick for the first time in eight career meetings, then that would be a surprise as well. Recently, Robredo has been playing well, and the victory over Davydenko should give him confidence. Against Roddick, Robredo is a gazelle on clay. If he takes advantage of his movement and agility on this surface, he may very well outplay Roddick.

Perhaps Roddick is the smart play, and few would bet against him. But Robredo is an underdog who happens to be a clay court specialist. I like his odds on this surface against Roddick.

Tennis Free Picks: Robredo in three sets

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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.