posted July 18, 2008 at 19:12 in Tennis Free Picks

Kitzbuhel, Austria – Tennis betting fanatics can bet on the Austrian Open semi-final round at BetUS Sportsbook. With the tournament inextricably moving towards its conclusion on Sunday, betting on the final four in Kitzbuhel is going to be a tight affair. But with players in good shape and competition for the title intense there is profit to be had on some standout bets in the tennis betting market. Here is a breakdown of the Austrian Open semi-final matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Victor Hanescu

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday July 19, 2008

Tennis Analysis: This is the most exciting billing on Saturday at the Austrian Open as two players – both newly inducted into the winners circle last week when they each picked up their maiden ATP titles – face off against one another for a berth in the final. For one player the good run of form and the match-winning streak will end. No. V59 Victor Hanescu won the Catella Swedish Open on Sunday. No.44 Juan Martin Del Potro won the Mercedes Cup. A 9-match winning streak, a berth in the final and possibly a second ATP title on the line: which player has the wherewithal to seize the victory?

Tennis Betting Verdict: The handicap against Del Potro is that he had to play two matches on Friday – a second round and a quarterfinal match as a rain soaked Austrian Open caused havoc with the schedule. Hanescu was fortunate enough to complete his second round match on Wednesday and only had a quarterfinal to contest today. A better-rested Hanescu has the slight edge.

Tennis Free Picks: Hanescu in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Potito Starace -175 Jurgen Melzer +135

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday July 19, 2008

Tennis Analysis: Home favourite and sixth seed Jurgen Melzer has a great chance of reaching the final and keeping Austrian hope for the title alive. Melzer had to fight for his semi-final berth, coming back from behind to beat Rainer Schuettler 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. Standing in No.66 Melzer’s way of a final berth is fourth seed, No.61 Potito Starace—the 2007 runner-up at the Austrian Open. In 2008, Starace contested four quarterfinals and finally in a fifth attempt, he is through to his first semi-final. Starace meets Melzer for the first time at an ATP level event.

Tennis Betting Verdict: This matchup is going to be a close one. Prior to this tournament, neither player had a noteworthy season. They have enjoyed a good run of form in Kitzbuhel though, but for one this will end in the semis. Melzer holds value on the money line. As the sixth seed and home favourite he will have the partisan crowd behind him.

Tennis Free Picks: Melzer in straight sets

So there you have it, a nice short break down for you of some of the exciting tennis betting options available at BetUS Sportsbook. Now that you are all read up, you are ready to start betting on tennis!

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