posted May 7, 2008 at 18:28 in Tennis Articles

Rome, Italy – The third round tennis odds on the ATP Masters Series in Rome, set to kick off on Thursday, May 8, 2008, are currently up and running at BetUS Sportsbook. Amidst some mixed results, among the winners in the first quarter were Roger Federer, Ivo Karlovic, Radek Stepanek and Luis Horna. With the matchups already confirmed, here is a look at the tennis betting action available at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer vs. Ivo Karlovic

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday May 9, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Roger Federer arrived in Rome after finishing runner-up at the ATP Masters Series in Monte Carlo a fortnight ago. Taking a week off tournament play before Rome, he is well rest. In his opening match, he faced nemesis Guillermo Canas, beating him 6-3, 6-3. In his next match, he faces Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, a player he owns a perfect record against at 5-0. He is the better play without a doubt.

Ivo Karlovic enters this match, after narrowly beating Potito Starace in three sets today 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(3). In his opening match, he was tested by Marin Cilic, beating his compatriot 7-6(4), 6-2. Prior to arriving in Rome, Karlovic has struggled in tournament play, but in Rome, he seems to have found his form. For his effort, his reward is a third round encounter with the Swiss maestro. To continue his run, he must be a player he has never beaten. The odds are against Karlovic.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Luis Horna +160 105 Radek Stepanek -210

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday May 9, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Radek Stepanek stunned David Ferrer in the second round today, defeating the odds-on-favourite Spaniard 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. He improves to 17-8 for the year. Luis Horna enters the third round with a victory over Jose Acasuso, beating the Argentine 6-3. 7-6(1). Lifetime they are tied 1-1.

In terms of handicapping this match, Radek Stepanek has a slight edge as he has overall the better season. Although he crashed out of the opening round in Rome, he has enjoyed a much better tournament in Rome thus far. His versatile game and serve-and-volley play, could prove to be a winning strategy against Horna.

Tennis Free Picks: Stepanek in straight sets

BetUS Sportsbook is taking action on the French Open with the men’s French Open Futures. Check out the futures odds and start betting on the second Grand Slam of the year now!

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