Posted on
3/14/2008 12:33:14 AM
ATP Free Tennis Betting Picks - ATP Masters Series Indian Wells
By Nila Amerova
Indian Wells, CA – The ATP Masters Series in Indian Wells features 128 players from the ATP Tour, with the Top 32 seeds receiving a Bye into the second round. One of nine Masters Series events – second only to a Grand Slam event – on the ATP calendar, the AMS Indian Wells tournament is offering a total prize purse of $3,589,000. The first round already underway, do not miss betting on this prestigious March tennis event – equally important as March Madness is to College Basketball betting fans during the month of March.
Tennis Betting Line: Janko Tipsarevic -250 Nicolas Massu +185
Match Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time, Friday March 14, 2008
Tennis Prediction: Serbian Janko Tipsarevic – currently ranking No.41 in the World – is a good tennis player; but unlike his Serbian counterparts, he has not enjoyed a breakthrough season in his career that would rival either of their achievements. In fact, his results have been streaky with occasional flashes of brilliance, namely at the Australian Open this year when he extended Federer to five sets. A notable performance, but as always is the case when a player faces someone like Roger Federer they are moved to feats previously unseen.
Against No.102 Nicolas Massu, Tipsarevic is unlikely to bring the same intensity. Tipsarevic arrives in Indian Wells after suffering a first round exit to eventual runner-up Feliciano Lopez. Entering with a 6-4 record for the season, Tipsarevic is by virtue of his higher-ranking a favorite. He should win this match, but at the same time, Nicolas Massu of Chile is an experienced veteran who should not be underestimated.
Tennis Free Picks: Tipsarevic in three sets
Tennis Betting Line: Mario Ancic -400 Gael Monfils +250
Match Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time, Friday March 14, 2008
Tennis Prediction: Former Top 10 tennis star Mario Ancic has had a tough time since contracting mononucleosis last year and suffering a wrist injury that saw him miss most of the season and drop in rankings. Currently ranked No.72 in the World, the 22-year-old Croatian is contesting his third tournament of the year. In his previous two tournaments, Ancic posted two mercurial performances: in Marseille (finished runner-up) and Zagreb (reached the semifinal). Ancic finally seems to have found his form. On the up, Ancic at -400 is the better play.
Tennis Free Picks: Ancic in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Oscar Hernandez +350 Ernest Gulbis -600
Match Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time, Friday March 14, 2008
Tennis Prediction: Latvian tennis star No. 80 Ernest Gulbis is ear-marked as one of the players to watch for in the future. The odds makers seemed to have taken note, as he is heavily favoured over No. 65 Oscar Hernandez. I would agree. Gulbis should win this match. After warming-up for this event in Las Vegas last week, where he reached the quarterfinal, Gulbis is a good play for a winning performance in his opening match.
Tennis Free Picks: Gulbis in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Kei Nishikori EV Marin Cilic -140
Match Time: 01:00 PM Eastern Time, Friday March 14, 2008
Tennis Prediction: This matchup features two very talented tennis players. Kei Nishikori surprised everyone in Delray Beach when as a qualifier he emerged from the draw to seize his maiden ATP title, defeating Sam Querrey (semifinal) and James Blake (final) in the process. Currently weighing in at No.126 in the World, the bookies have definitely taken note of Nishikori’s ATP debut and victory in Florida, as such, he is valued at Even odds. Indeed, he is not a player one should underestimate. In his second tournament in San Jose, Nishikori was not as successful, falling in the second round to Andy Roddick – the eventual champion.
Marin Cilic, who ranks within the Top 50, is another young tennis player with value. The Croatian enjoyed an exceptional run at the Australian Open, defeating Nicolas Almagro, Jurgen Melzer and 2007 runner-up Fernando Gonzalez, before falling to James Blake in the R16. Arriving with an 8/6 record for the season, Cilic is a good play to advance.
While both players have much to recommend them, I expect this to be one of the toughest matches in the first round. I like Cilic to go through in this matchup, only because he has more experience on the big stage – an occasion that may prove to be overwhelming for the very talent Japanese teenager.
Tennis Free Picks: Cilic in three sets
Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!
Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.