Posted on
4/16/2008 4:04:46 PM
Online Tennis Betting Picks - Estoril Open Second Round
By Nila Amerova
Estoril, Portugal – Joining Federer from the Top 10 elite at the Estoril Open this week is second seed Nikolay Davydenko, who arrives in Portugal after engaging fortnight of tennis – winning the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami a fortnight ago and fresh from Russia’s Davis Cup victory over the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals this weekend. Falling in the bottom half of the draw, along with fifth seed Gilles Simon and seventh seed Marc Gicquel, Davydenko’s draw offers some potential obstacles for the Russian’s campaign. Bet on the Estoril Open second round matchups at BetUS.com.
Tennis Betting Line: Simon vs. Cipolla
Analysis: No. 33 Gilles Simon of France should be favoured to advance into the quarterfinal round at the Estoril Open. The Frenchman enters the second round with an 11-8 mark for the season, after beating Roko Kranusic in the first round. Simon started the season strong, with a R32 appearance at the Australian Open, a quarterfinal run in Marseille and a semifinal run in Rotterdam. However, since then he has struggled to find his form. In his subsequent three tournaments, Simon reached no better than the second round. In Cipolla, Simon faces a player who favors clay, making the possibility of an upset more than likely. However, although Simon favors hard, overall he has the better game and should win this match.
Tennis Free Picks: Simon in three sets
Tennis Betting Line: Serra vs. Machado
Analysis: Frenchman Florent Serra ranks just beyond the Top 100. His favorite surface is clay. Serra arrives at the Estoril Open following a quarterfinal run in Napoli (a Challenger event). In ATP level events, Serra holds a 5-6 mark, his best run coming in Chennai (quarterfinal). In this matchup, he should top Rui Machado relatively easily.
Tennis Free Picks: Serra in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Gicquel vs. Ascione
Analysis: In this all-French affair, Marc Gicquel ranks higher at No.55 whereas Thierry Ascione weighs in at No.82. Based on tournament performance thus far in the year, neither holds the edge. However, in challenger events, Gicquel holds a 3-0 edge over Ascione, making him the better play.
Tennis Free Picks: Gicquel in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Davydenko vs. Minar
Analysis: World No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko is the better play in this matchup. The top Russian is enjoying a great start to the 2008 season. Almost a fortnight ago, he won the ATP Masters Series in Miami last weekend he contributing to Russia’s Davis Cup victory by outlasting Tomas Berdych in a five set marathon in the last rubber (Berdych retired with an ankle injury). Davydenko is a player brimming with confidence. He should win this match.
Tennis Free Picks: Davydenko in straight sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.