Posted on 5/8/2008 6:03:50 PM

Tennis Betting - Rome Masters Quarterfinal Picks - Federer vs. Stepanek

By Nila Amerova

Rome, Italy – In the tennis betting market today the online tennis betting community is presented with quarterfinal tennis odds on the ATP Masters Series in Rome. As the premier tournament takes one-step closer toward the finale on Sunday, tennis bettors wagering on the final eight players challenging for a prime place in the final movement have some standout bets on offer at BetUS Sportsbook from which to choose. So, to get you started betting on tennis, here is a look at one of the four quarterfinal matchups open for online betting, complete with fast facts, reviews, tennis betting lines and tennis free picks.

Tennis Betting Line: Roger Federer -1600 Radek Stepanek +700

Match Time: 07:00 AM Eastern Time Friday May 9, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: Odds makers’ short-odds-on favourite, World No.1 Roger Federers’ path to the final runs through Radek Stepanek – a matchup that sees Federer meet Stepanek for a career sixth time. Federer leads 4-1 lifetime in head-to-heads, including a 2-1 record on clay – Gstaad (2004) and ATP Masters Series Rome (2006). The only victory Stepanek nicked was in 2002 in Gstaad. The last time they met was in 2007 in Davis Cup action; Federer triumphed in four sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-6(5). This is the first time they meet in 2008.

Roger Federer (-1600): Roger Federer is the steep favourite in this matchup. Unlike his opening match against Canas, (where he was favoured at -700 against Canas tipped at +400), in this matchup the bookies are quite confident that there is little to prevent Federer from sweeping into the semi-final round. Aside from a comfortable head-to-head record against Stepanek, recommending his hefty price tag is a firm performance in Rome and an overall solid season.

Federer arrive in Rome with a 20-5 mark for the year, including one ATP title – Estoril Open – and a runner-up finish in Monte Carlo. Federer opened his Rome campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over nemesis Canas and followed up by dismissing Ivo Karlovic 7-6(4), 6-3 in the third round.

Radek Stepanek (+700): Disadvantaged at +700 on the money line, Stepanek is a long shot bet. There is little to recommend risking a bet on Stepanek. Overall, he is a good clay court player. He is an excellent serve-and-volley player. His net play, owing to a lot of doubles play, is perhaps one of the best on the circuit, yet in spite of all his strengths, he has never been able to string together a game to knock Federer off his stride. Frankly, I do not see him achieving this feat tomorrow either.

Betting Verdict: After three-time defending champion, Rafael Nadal was upset in his opening round match in Rome, the title was left up-for grabs. With the playing field now wide open, Federer must like his chances of winning this illusive Masters Shield. Federer has reached the final here twice – in 2003 and 2006. In 2007, he was shocked in the R16 by Fillipo Volandri. I do not expect Federer to be shocked tomorrow.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

So there you have it, a nice short break down for you of some of the exciting tennis betting options available at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start betting on tennis!

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