Posted on
3/4/2008 5:04:49 PM
Tennis Betting Odds - Tennis Channel Open First Round Picks
By Nila Amerova
Las Vegas, Nevada – Defending champion Lleyton Hewitt, the second seed, got off to a great start with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory over struggling tennis star Marat Safin of Russia. Through to the second round, Lleyton Hewitt next faces the winner of Jonas Bjorkman vs. Julien Benneteau. Meanwhile, fourth seed Guillermo Canas of Argentina advanced with a win over Tomas Johansson of Sweden 6-3, 7-6(3), and eighth seed, German Nikolas Kiefer topped compatriot Benjamin Becker 6-4, 6-3.
In other matches on Monday, American Sam Querrey saved one match point in his 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(8) victory over Sebastien Grosjean of France, Evgeny Korolev of Russia was pushed to a third set by Sergio Roitman, before seizing the win 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, and Robby Ginepri of USA, who enters the tournament on a wild card, defeated Xavier Malisse with a comeback win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
More first round action is set to kick off on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 in Las Vegas, so to get you started betting on the Tennis Channel Open; here are a few choice tennis picks on the tennis odds that are currently live with BetUS.
Tennis Betting Line: Amer Delic +110 Jurgen Melzer -150
Match Time: Not Before 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Tennis Prediction: The last time No.84 Jurgen Melzer of Austria met No.126 Amer Delic of USA was in 2005 in Adelaide. The match went the way of the Austrian 6-3, 6-3. Since the start of the season, Melzer has contested both, singles and doubles, action in tournaments. At ATP level tournaments, Melzer owns a 4/6 record: his best result a second round appearance at an ATP tournament. On the Challenger circuit, Melzer won the Wroclaw (hard) tournament in Poland, in January. At – 150, Melzer is the better play, particular against a struggling Amer Delic, who enters this tournament as a qualifier. Delic brings a 2/2 record: his best result a second round appearance at an ATP level tournament. Delic also took some time to tune-up his game on the Challenger circuit, winning the Dallas title in January.
Tennis Free Picks: Melzer in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Kevin Anderson +160 Michael Llodra -210
Match Time: Not Before 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Tennis Prediction: Qualifier No. 175 Kevin Anderson is faced with a tough opening match in Las Vegas. No. 37 Michael Llodra of France is enjoying his best start to a season. The Frenchman arrives in Vegas with a 14/3 record and two ATP titles. At -210, Llodra, who is also seeded sixth in the tournament, is the better play.
Tennis Free Picks: Llodra in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Nicolas Massu +125 Over 22½ -140 Ernest Gulbis -165 Under 22½ EV
Match Time: 06:00 PM Eastern Time
Tennis Prediction: No. 90 Ernests Gulbis of Latvia is touted as one of the potential stars of the future. But the 20-year-old has a long way to go in the maturation process before he becomes a viable bet. With a ¼ record at ATP level tournaments, Gulbis has lost more than he has won to date. No. 98 Nicolas Massu of Chile is a veteran player, while also trailing this season with 4/6 record, has the benefit of experience to top the youngster.
Tennis Free Picks: Massu in straight sets
Tennis Betting Line: Marcos Baghdatis -450 Over 20½ -125 Vincent Spadea +275 Under 20½ -115
Match Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time
Tennis Prediction: Another veteran player competing in Las Vegas, is American Vincent Spadea. Spadea, who currently ranks No.74 in the World, arrives with a 6/4 record for the season, posting his best result – a quarterfinal appearance – in both Adelaide and Delray Beach. At the Australian Open, the 34-year-old tennis player reached the R32. Taking Spadea at +275, would be more a sentimental than a smart play. No. 17 Marcos Baghdatis is the better play at -450.
Tennis Free Picks: Baghdatis in straight sets
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Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.