Posted on 2/22/2008 7:21:17 PM

Tennis Betting - ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament Free Picks

By Nila Amerova

Rotterdam, The Netherlands – World No.24 Ivo Karlovic of Croatia served up a victory in the quarter-final over Mischa Zverev to book his place in the semi-final on Saturday. The 6’10 Karlovic notched his sixth match win of the season with a 6-3, 6-1 score over the German qualifier. Next up for Karlovic is Michael Llodra of France, who upset Dutch hopeful Robin Haase in a tough 7-6(5), 7-6(5) contest. Check out the semi-final tennis odds for the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at BetUS.

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday February 22, 2008

Tennis Prediction: World No.58 Michael Llodra is enjoying an impressive season thus far, according to his standards. In 2007, Llodra posted a 13/8 record for the season, but with the victory in the quarter-final today, Llodra is one match-win away from tying his season best last year. Taking a 12/3 record into the semi-final in Rotterdam, Llodra first defeated qualifier Jan Hernych, then upset second seed Nikolay Davydenko, and followed up with a victory over Dutch [WC] Robin Haase, who defeated [6] Andy Murray in the first round.

The 27-year-old Llodra picked up only his second career ATP title earlier this year in Adelaide, and is one victory away from contesting his second title and third overall career title. Llodra owns a 1-0 record over Ivo Karlovic, owing to a victory posted in the Croatian Karlovic’s home event in Zagreb (carpet) last year.

In 2007, Karlovic topped the ATP circuit in four serving categories, including aces (1,318). After a remarkable season last year, that saw him pick up a career-best three titles on as many surfaces, Karlovic got off to a slow start in 2008. At the start of the tournament, Karlovic entered with a 3/3 record for the season, and now improves to 6-3.

Karlovic reaches his first semi-final of the year today, having reached the Australian Open R32 (l. to Youzhny) and crashed out in the first round of Doha and second round of Marseille. The 28-year-old Croatian is enjoying his best run of the season, posting victories over Oliver Rochus, [5] Tomas Berdych and Mischa Zverev along the way.

The matchup between Ivo Karlovic and Michael Llodra will be a tough one. Karlovic seems to have finally found his game after what has been a disappointing start to the season, whereas, Llodra has been cruising on to posting his best start to a season. On paper, both players stack-up relatively evenly, and have much to recommend them on the moneyline. Karlovic holds the edge with his intimidating size and serve. Llodra holds the edge with a serve-and-volley game that if utilized well could give him the additional advantage of court coverage over the less agile Karlovic.

Tennis Free Picks: Llodra in three sets.

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