posted August 16, 2007 at 16:29 in Tennis Free Picks

Cincinnati, Ohio – Although the bottom half of the draw did lose second seed Rafael Nadal, after he retired from his match against Juan Monaco in the second round, it remains the tougher of the two draws. Still alive in the draw are favorites Andy Roddick, Thomas Berdych and James Blake, and with such heavy-hitters threatening to advance, the tennis odds are tighter and the matchups much closer for their lot at the ATP Masters Series in Cincinnati.

David Ferrer +225 Andy Roddick -350 

Tennis Prediction: – If the third day of the tournament was any indication, then upsets are possible, even in the wake of the unlikeliest of odds. Defending champion Roddick is favored at -350. Most likely, he is the sure play.

However, David Ferrer at +225 holds a lot of value. In 2006, at the ATP Masters Series in Miami (hard), the clay court specialist Ferrer stunned Roddick (on his best surface) in the quarterfinal round 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. In their lifetime record, Roddick leads 2-1.

This is their second meeting in 2007. In their first match of this year, Roddick won 7-5, 6-3. Roddick has been consistent in 2007, but unimpressive. After all, he was upset in Indianapolis by Frank Dancevic a player who at the time ranked over 100!

Despite long odds on Ferrer, he can upset (the other) A-Rod.

Tennis Free Picks: – Ferrer in three sets

Sam Querrey -150 Juan Monaco +110

Tennis Prediction: - This is one of those lines that could prove to be a steal. No. 25 Juan Monaco is a better all around player in comparison to No.65 Sam Querrey. Taking into this match a 33/13 record for the season and three ATP titles, Monaco is not an underdog to underestimate. In fact, at +110, he is definitely a steal.

Sam Querrey holds home court advantage. With a cheering crowd spurring him on, Querrey may muscle his way into the quarterfinal round, but the 20-year-old’s game has not matured enough to inspire confidence. At -150, he is a good play, but not the sure play.

Tennis Free Picks: – Monaco for the victory in three sets.

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