Posted on
3/26/2008 10:33:14 PM
ATP Masters Series - More First Round Tennis Picks
By Nila Amerova
Miami, Florida – The 2008 Sony Ericsson Open or ATP Masters Series in Miami (as it is known on the ATP tour) is the second of nine AMS shield events scheduled on the men’s annual calendar. It looks like a Grand Slam, feels like a Grand Slam and has the field of a Grand Slam; but a Grand Slam it is not. This does not make it any less important and with all the top players on the ATP Tour in attendance, the stakes could not be higher. Bidding for a chance to lift the coveted crown will be American Mardy Fish, who arrives in Miami unseeded and as such, did not receive a Bye into the second round, despite his magical run at the ATP Masters Series in Indian Wells last week. Last week Fish was ranked No.98 in the world, but his runner-up finish saw his rank bumped up to No.40 this week, eight ranks shy of a receiving a seeding in Miami. So with the depth in the unseeded field of players, you cannot possibly miss out on betting on the first round of Miami.
Tennis Free Picks are for matches scheduled to start at 10AM Eastern Time on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
Tennis Betting Line: Mardy Fish -400 Arnaud Clement +250
Tennis Prediction: After showcasing his winning ways at the Pacific Life Open, namely defeating Roger Federer in the semifinal, few would bet against a rejuvenated Mardy Fish. AT -400 favorite odds, bookies clearly have taken stock of the American’s performance last week, feeling confident he can stretch his winning streak in Miami.
Tennis Free Picks: Fish in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Mario Ancic -300 Gilles Simon +200
Tennis Prediction: Former Top 10 player Mario Ancic is on course to reclaiming his former glory. In 2008, Ancic contested three tournaments, reaching the final of Marseille (his first tournament) and followed up with a semifinal appearance in Zagreb and a R32 exit in Indian Wells. Currently ranking No.63 in the World, Ancic is better than his ranking would suggest and at -300 favorite odds, the Croatian is a good play.
Tennis Free Picks: Ancic in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Igor Kunitsyn +160 Thomas Johansson -210
Tennis Prediction: Although there is hope for No.121 Igor Kunitsyn of Russia to break into the Top 100, owing to his purported talent, thus far, “potential” is all that can be associated with his season. In terms of handicapping this match, risking money on just a word would not be prudent. Sweden’s Thomas Johansson, a veteran on the ATP Tour, offers much better value.
Tennis Free Picks: Johansson in three sets
Tennis Betting Line: Ernests Gulbis -350 Dominik Hrbaty +225
Tennis Prediction: No.91 Ernests Gulbis of Latvia is another up-and-comer who is synonymous with the word potential. While his season has offered not much in terms of recommending him for a deep run in Miami, in his opener against No.200 Dominik Hrbaty, who is contesting his first ATP level event of 2008, he should easily eke out a victory.
Tennis Free Picks: Gulbis in straight sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room