posted August 15, 2007 at 16:40 in Tennis Free Picks

Cincinnati, Ohio – Misfortune continued for sixth seed Fernando Gonzalez as he crashed out of the ATP Masters Series in Cincinnati in his opening match. Gonzalez, who received a bye into the second round was dismissed by Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets 6-2, 7-6(7). The loss marks his third consecutive opening match loss at a US Open Series event.

Other facts for you tennis betting fans to know is other second round casualties included Ivan Ljubicic, who lost to Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-4; Radek Stepanek, who was eked out by David Ferrer 6-2, 7-6(7); and Mikhail Youzhny, who was overpowered by Sam Querrey 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet both retired from their respective matches due to injuries (a left arm strain for Nadal; a right hand blister for Gasquet), allowing Juan Monaco and Lleyton Hewitt to advance into the third round.

Day 3 of the tournament with its surprise results has lead to some interesting results, and with more second round matches still to be played, namely Roger Federer’s and Novak Djokovic’s opening matches, the day may not be done with dealing surprises.

Roger Federer -10000 Julien Benneteau +1800

Tennis Prediction: – After losing in the RogersCup final on Sunday, Roger Federer opens his Cincinnati Masters Series campaign against No. 68 Julien Benneteau. Federer should harbor no lingering effects of his loss as he comes into this match - a world-class champion, the Rogers Cup is well behind him.

At a whopping price tag of - 10000, Federer is the sure play.

Tennis Free Pick: – Federer in straight sets.

Nikolay Davydenko -375 Robby Ginepri +235

Tennis Prediction: – With home court advantage, No. 59 Robby Ginepri could very well be worth the bet, particularly should he orchestrate the upset. However, can you bank on a wild card player who arrived at the start of the tournament with a 6/14 record for the season (improved to 7/14 following his first round victory over veteran Jonas Bjorkman) and with consecutive first round losses in the last five tournaments.

Davydenko is not without his share of woes, but he showed some promise last week at the Rogers Cup when he managed to pull-off his usual run at a tournament – a quarterfinal appearance.

Tennis Free Picks: – Davydenko to persevere in three sets.

Juan Ignacio Chela +250 Marcos Baghdatis -400

Tennis Prediction: – Despite the line, this matchup will be the most even of the second round. Baghdatis favored at -400 is a good bet. Strengthening Baghdatis’ odds is a good performance at the Rogers Cup (a run that ended in the third round when he lost to Andy Roddick); a 37/15 record for the season; and one ATP title.

Chela holds some advantages as well and at +250 he could prove to be a worthwhile wager. Strengthening Chela’s odds is a 2-0 career record over Baghdatis, both victories were hard court matches; a 34/19 record for the season; and one ATP title.

The balance tips in favor of Baghdatis, owing to a better Rogers Cup performance than Chela. (Chela lost in the first round to Fernando Verdasco 6-3 1-6 3-6). With his rhythm well adjusted to the faster hard surface, Baghdatis holds the advantage.

Tennis Free Picks: – Baghdatis in straight sets.

Federer might be winning everything except clay these days, but with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, betting on tennis has never been so exciting! Join the BetUS.com online sportsbook today and start using the latest tennis lines, odds and props to earn cold, hard cash!

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