Posted on
4/15/2008 4:08:17 PM
ATP Tennis Betting - US Men’s Clay Court First Round Picks
By Nila Amerova
Houston, Texas – Let the online tennis betting begin. First round tennis odds for the US Men’s Clay Court Championships are currently available at BetUS Sportsbook. In attendance at this classic American clay court event, running for almost a quarter of a century, is James Blake, Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey amongst several other world-class players. Bet on the US Men’s Clay Court Championships, you will not one to miss some of the exciting action shaping up over the coming week.
Tennis Betting Line: James Blake -400 Kei Nishikori +250
Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday April 16, 2008
Tennis Prediction: This is the second career encounter between No.8 James Blake and No.116 Kei Nishikori. The last time the pair met was at the 2008 Delray Beach final when Nishikori, who entered the event as a qualifier, stunned Blake coming back from behind to seize the title 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The Japanese teenager (18 years, 1 month, 19 days old) sent seismic shockwaves through the tournament when he became the first Japanese ATP title winner in almost 16 years. He was also the youngest ATP title winner since Lleyton Hewitt (16 years, 10 months, 18 days) in Adelaide on January 11, 1998.
In Houston, Blake will get a second shot at the Japanese tennis sensation. In spite of losing to Nishikori, Blake at -400 is still a better play. Not to take anything away from the young up-and-comer or suggest his victory was a fluke, but Blake, who perhaps underestimated Nishikori in Florida, should be better prepared this time around. He will not err again.
At the same time, Nishikori’s price tag of +250 underdog odds is a tempting bet. He converted on his underdog odds at Delray Beach with a victory; bringing a 1-0 edge over Blake into their first round encounter at Houston, he may have the confidence to replicate his winning performance once again.
Tennis Free Picks: Blake in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Viktor Troicki -155 Marcos Daniel +115
Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday April 16, 2008
Tennis Prediction: As seems to be the case more often than not when a Serbian player steps on court, one expects a winning performance. This perception is largely due to the successes of the Serbian trio of Djokovic, Jankovic and Ivanovic. However, Viktor Troicki of Serbia has a long way to go before he can keep company amongst the elite trio. Weighing in at No.105 in the world, Troicki brings a 3-5 mark for the season into his first round encounter. Predominantly a hard court player, the surface in Houston is not his favorite. Nevertheless, the bookies give the Serbian the nod with a -155 favorite price tag!
No. 91 Marcus Daniel is a veteran player who makes a living playing predominantly playing clay court events. As such, the 30-year-old Brazilian at +115 offers value for bettors.
Tennis Free Picks: Daniel in straight sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.