posted May 22, 2008 at 17:08 in Tennis Betting Trends

Casablanca, Morocco – Tennis betting continues this week with the Grand Prix Hassan II at BetUS online sportsbook as the tournament enters the semi-final round. In the top half of the draw, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has found his clay feet, securing a berth in the final four and setting up a clash with fellow countryman Gilles Simon. The French Open just a few sleeps away, the online betting community has a last chance to speculate on these two French Open hopefuls in the all-French semi-final affair in the Grand Prix Hassan II. A berth in the final on the line and in turn, better tennis odds in their home Grand Slam event – wagering on this sports betting matchup could not be more thrilling.

Tennis Betting Line: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Gilles Simon

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Friday, May 22, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: This is the second meeting between the pair this season. Their first-ever meeting came at the ATP Masters Series in Rome, where Gilles Simon upset the much favoured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a marathon three-set match 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(6). They met once before in Futures in 2003; Tsonga beat Simon 6-4, 6-2 (France F6, hard).

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – After rising to fame during the 2008 Australian Open, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga arrives in only his second semi-final of the season at the Grand Prix Hassan II. Tsonga had knee surgery after his magical run in Melbourne. Slow to recover, Tsonga has posted mixed results in tournamnet play. In his first event after Melbourne, he was a first round casualty in Marseille(l. to Ancic); he reached the R16 in Indian Wells (l. to Nadal), he reached the R32 in Miami (l. to Benneteau), he lost his opener in Rome (l. to Simon) and he reached the R32 in Hamburg (l. to Soderling).

Following the Australian Open, Tsonga saw his ranking improve, breaking into the Top 20, but recent form has been a concern with Tsonga. Reaching the semi-final of an ATP-level event could not have come at a better time for the Frenchman, as the French Open is literally just around the corner. A decent run or even a title victory will go a long way to improving his odds next week at Roland Garros.

Gilles Simon Ranked No. 36 in the world, Simon enters this match with a 16-12 record for the year. After beating Tsonga in Rome, he went on to lose his second round encounter to Simone Bolleili. In Hamburg last week, Simon reached the second round as well, losing to Andy Murray. At the ATP Masters series in Monte Carlo, he was a first round casualty, lost to No.137 Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo.

Tennis Prediction: This is Tsonga’s opportunity to assert himself as a viable contender in Paris next week. Winning here or finishing runner-up will go a long way to boosting his confidence and tennis odds. Consistency has long been an issue with Tsonga, but in spite of this, the mecca of Moroccan tennis seems to have brought out the best in him.

Tennis Free Picks: Tsonga in straight sets

So there you have it! A nice short breakdown and tennis free picks the exciting online tennis betting action on the Grand Prix Hassan II available in the online sports betting market at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start wagering on tennis!

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