Posted on
1/15/2008 9:33:13 PM
Tennis Betting – Australian Open Men’s Singles First Round Odds
By Nila Amerova
Melbourne, Australia – As the first Grand Slam event of the 2008 Tennis Betting Season gets underway, BetUS is the premiere destination for sports enthusiasts keen on making money betting on tennis. This year, the Australian Open boasts one of the deepest draws on both the men and women’s side. With so much talent, old and new, competing down under, here is a look at some of the odds that are currently live with BetUS.
Tennis Free Picks: First Round Men’s Single Odds
Tennis Betting Line:
Oscar Hernandez +8 -105 +425
Ivo Minar -8 -135 -800
Tennis Prediction: No.102 Ivo Minar of the Czech Republic, who ranks well below No.60 Oscar Hernandez, is the better play. Favoured at -800, the 23-year-old Czech native, who favours clay surface, compiled a modest 31-16 record in Challenger events in 2007 and lifted two titles— one of which (in Busan) he won by defeating Troicki. (Troicki only just yesterday played valiantly against Rafael Nadal, losing in thrilling fashion 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-1.) Minar arrives at the Australian Open having participated in just one warm-up event – the Sydney International, where he reached the second round.
Hernandez competed in Auckland and Doha, suffering first round exits both times. Last year, Hernandez compiled a 0-4 record on hard.
Tennis Free Picks: Minar in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Juan Monaco -8½ -120 -800 Over 32½ -115
Carlos Berlocq +8½ -120 +425 Under 32½ -125
Tennis Prediction: Largely considered one of the players to watch this season, Juan Monaco at -800 on the money line is the better play.
Tennis Free Picks: Monaco in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Robert Kendrick +3 -120 +125 Over 41 -115
Amer Delic -3 -120 -165 Under 41 -125
Tennis Prediction: In this all-American affair, the conundrum faced in handicapping this matchup is the fact that both No.108 Robert Kendrick and No.136 Amer Delic had a blasé 2007 season, consistently underachieving in tournament play. So who is the better play? Going against the odds makers, I would hazard a bet on Kendrick at +125. Kendrick holds better value, despite trailing 0-1 in career head-to-heads against Delic.
Tennis Free Picks: Kendrick in four sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Simone Bolelli -2½ -120 -150 Over 38½ -125
Rajeev Ram +2½ -120 +110 Under 38½ -115
Tennis Prediction: This is a matchup where I would take a chance on the underdog Rajeev Ram of the USA. Tipped at +110, Ram holds value.
Tennis Free Picks: Ram in four sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Robin Haase +250 Over 41 -110
Ivan Ljubicic -400 Under 41 -130
Tennis Prediction: In Doha, at the start of the season, Ljubicic advanced to the semifinal round. Ranked in the top 20, Ljubicic is a veteran player. His experience on the grand stage should serve him well against the unseasoned Dutchman No. 103 Robin Haase. Ljubicic is the prudent bet.
However, in terms of value, at +250, the 20-year-old Haase holds value. At the Chennai Open – an Australian Open tune-up event, he advanced into the quarterfinal round. Although he enjoys playing on clay the best, Haase is a tough competitor that could give No. 19 Ivan Ljubicic a trying contest.
Tennis Free Picks: Ljubicic to persevere in four sets
Tennis Betting Line:
Thierry Ascione +8 -120 +400 Over 32½ -115
Fernando Verdasco -8 -120 -700 Under 32½ -125
Tennis Prediction: Persistently inconsistent, No.28 Fernando Verdasco is always a risky bet. But at -700 on the money line, he is favoured for the victory. I would go with the odds makers in this matchup.
Tennis Free Picks: Verdasco in five sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.