Posted on 1/17/2008 10:48:57 AM

Australian Open Second Round Odds – Betting on the Outright Favorites

By Nila Amerova

Melbourne, Australia – The second round of the Australian Open is set to kick off later on today and with so many matchups to bet on, here is a look at some of the favourites with BetUS tennis odds makers. Check out the free tennis picks and start betting on tennis.

Tennis Betting Line:

Sam Warburg +500 Over 31½ -130

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga -1000 Under 31½ -110

Tennis Prediction: After defeating Britain’s best hope for a Grand Slam titlist Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga earned the acclaim of many. It is natural he should be such a heavy favourite in his second round match. Ranked No.38 in the World, Tsonga is a future Top 20 player at the very least. Bet on him without a second thought.

Tennis Free Pick: Tsonga in three sets

Tennis Betting Line:

Paul Capdeville +425 Over 33½ -115

Paul-Henri Mathieu -800 Under 33½ -125

Tennis Prediction: The last time the pair met was in the first round of the 2005 US Open, where the now No.100 Paul Capdeville defeated the current No.25 Paul Henri-Mathieu in four sets. However, Capdeville’s 1-0 lead over Mathieu is a relatively old record to base upon a bet. At +425, should he orchestrate the upset, a wager would pay out fourfold.

Mathieu is a player, who possesses many positive aspects of the game. A power-hitter, who can hit winners from anywhere on the court he is a formidable opponent. However, his tendency to go for too much has cost him many a match he should have in all likelihood won. Here is hoping he focuses on the task at hand and plays to win.

Tennis Free Pick: Mathieu in four sets

Tennis Betting Line:

Jarkko Nieminen -900 Over 32½ -125

Jesse Levine +450 Under 32½ -115

Tennis Prediction: After defeating Canada’s No.74 Frank Dancevic in the first round, Jarkko Nieminen comes up against another Canadian in No. 170 Jesse Levine. By all indications, Nieminen, who ranks No.26 in the World should face little contest from the diminutive Levine in this round.

Tennis Free Pick: Nieminen in straight sets

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