posted May 6, 2008 at 18:34 in Tennis Betting Trends

Rome, Italy – The second round line-up at the ATP Masters Series in Monte Carlo looks very competitive, but a couple of standout tennis bets in the market are on offer today. Short-odds-on favourite Nadal is set to contest his opening match in Rome against compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero; meanwhile, Andy Murray will battle Stanislas Wawrinka for a berth in the third round. So with so many betting prospects to choose from, here is a look at the matchup’s sports bettors can bet online at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Juan Carlos Ferrero vs. Rafael Nadal

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday May 7, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Without bursting into a soliloquy about Nadal’s merits on clay, the truth of the matter is no one has dominated clay the way Nadal has over the last four years. Contemplating betting against him is outrageous. Straight up, Nadal is the play in this matchup.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Tommy Robredo vs. Nicolas Mahut

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday May 7, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Tommy Robredo, after slugging through the first few months of the year, seems to have found his form, turning around his losing season to an 11-9 mark before arriving in Rome. Playing on his favourite surface has everything to do with it. Defeating Chela in the first round, see Robredo improve to 12-9 for the year. With Nicolas Mahut up next, Robredo has every chance of going one better and advancing into the third round in Rome. Lifetime, they are tied at one; the last win, went the way of Mahut, but the surface was hard and well Robredo was in a slump. All that appears to be behind him.

Tennis Free Picks: Robredo in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Andy Murray vs. Stanislas Wawrinka

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday May 7, 2008

Tennis Prediction: After defeating Marat Safin in what could only be called a slugfest in the first round that featured an exorbitant amount of service breaks, I am not sure what to think of Wawrinka’s chances in the second round. Meanwhile, Murray’s opener got off to a slow start, playing badly from the onset; he lost the first set to Del Potro. Then a bizarre twist of events led to some unsportsmanlike conduct from both players, which stoked the fire and livened up the match with a series of fireworks. Murray rallied back and saved the second set. Just as everything pointed to a fiery third set, Del Potro retired from the match with a chronic back problem.

So based on their first round performance, it is hard to tell which player holds the edge in tomorrow’s matchup. In terms of head-to-heads, they are level at 2-2, with Murray winning both their encounters in 2008. For me, Murray has had some flashes of brilliance early this year, but has faded somewhat of late. Whereas, Wawrinka seems to be on the up, arriving in Rome after reaching the semi-final in Barcelona. As such, I like Wawrinka’s chances to advance.

Tennis Free Picks: Wawrinka in straight sets

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