Posted on 1/21/2008 5:58:16 PM

Australian Open Betting – Free Men’s Quarterfinal Picks

By Eric Williams

While today’s men’s quarterfinal matches are definitely harder to predict than any of the first week’s opening round matches, BetUS.com tennis bettors should find that these two ATP Free Picks, will go a long way toward increasing the tennis bankroll as the 2008 Australian Open moves into its second and final week.

One match has the makings of a classic five-setter while the other looks like it is already a done deal.

Here is a look at both matches followd by my Australian Open Free Picks.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga vs. Mikhail Youzhny

Analysis: Tsonga and Youzhny may have never played each other before, but each player will enter this match playing what is arguably the best tennis of their respective careers.

The 38th-ranked Tsonga, in particular has been a revelation in this tournament, dispatching opponents with relative ease after shedding what is reported to be 15 pounds but looks more like 50 pounds, while moving away from last season’s chubby, wild-haired look.

Youzhny, ranked 14th in the world, was bounced from last year’s tournament in the third round but has been playing absolutely lights out tennis and although I’d like to see Tsonga win, I can’t in good conscious, select him to beat the smoother, more polished and experienced Youzhny in this match.

While Tsonga, who was knocked out of last year’s Australian Open in the first round, has an extremely bright future in front of him – and could challenge for an appearance in a grand slam final sometime very soon, Youzhny is the correct pick for this particular match.

Free Pick: Mikhail Youzhny

07:00 PM EST

Jo Wilfried Tsonga +170

Mikhail Youzhny -220

Over 40½ -125

Under 40½ -115

ATP Australian Open Qtr Finals

Jarko Nieminen vs. Rafael Nadal

Analysis: Nadal is 3-0 in his career against Nieminen, dropping just one set along the way, which tells me all I need to know about this match. Nadal, looking fitter than at any point in 2007, was knocked out of last year’s Aussie Open in the quarterfinal round but now looks like he has plans on winning the entire tournament this year – and Nieminen, who has not advanced past the second round in the last four years at the Australian, will certainly not be the players to stop him. Take ‘Rafa’ to win this in straight sets and call it a night people.

Free Pick: Rafael Nadal

07:00 PM EST

Jarkko Nieminen +700

Rafael Nadal -1600

Over 32½ -125

Under 32½ -115

ATP Australian Open Qtr Finals