posted June 23, 2008 at 18:53 in Tennis Betting Trends

London, England – First round tennis betting action is currently running at BetUS Sportsbook and with so many sports gambling matchups to play through in the early rounds Wimbledon betting could not be more thrilling. While the favourites are mostly expected to advance, and the tennis odds are a in some cases at a whopping price tag, there are deals to be had and beating the bookie is possible. So here is a quick rundown of some of the first round action for the online betting community at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Jeremy Chardy -225 Frederico Gil +175

Tennis Prediction: After watching Jeremy Chardy dismantle David Nalbandian at the French Open, I like his odds in this matchup. Granted he played before an adoring home crowd – and with his charm and good looks, oh and his tennis game as well – what is there not to like about him. But his newfound confidence will be key coming into this opening round encounter. Betting on him to go through to the second round is a sound bet.

Tennis Free Picks: Chardy in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Edouard Roger-Vasselin +350 Marin Cilic -600

Tennis Prediction: On grass, Marin Cilic is a threat to contend with in the upcoming rounds. As his odds in his opening match would suggest, he is the play in this matchup.

Tennis Free Picks: Cilic in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Wayne Odesnik +185 Jarkko Nieminen -250

Tennis Prediction: Granted Odesnik is one of few Americans to enjoy clay court surfaces but he has had a few encouraging results in tournament play this season to lead me to believe he can upset Jarkko Nieminen in the opening round. Add to that a slump of a season for Nieminen and you could find value betting on this matchup.

Tennis Free Picks: Odesnik in four sets.

Tennis Betting Line: Ivan Ljubicic -190 Jurgen Melzer +140

Tennis Prediction: Ivan Ljubicic is but a shadow of his former Top 20 self. The Croatian has had a few encouraging results but outweighed by some dismal outings betting against him in the opening rounds is an opportunity too good to miss. I like Melzer to upset the Croatian.

Tennis Free Picks: Melzer in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Richard Gasquet -300 236 Mardy Fish +200

Tennis Prediction: This is another matchup where sports bettors can find value in the underdog simply because Richard Gasquet is another player who has been struggling all season long with confidence issues. Although he warmed up for Wimbledon at the Stella Artois Championships and s’Hertogenbosch, his results were not what one would expect of a player of his talent and potential. Betting against him is an opportunity to good to ignore. Mardy Fish had a dream run earlier this year in Indian Wells, he may not have a similar run here but topping a slumping player is not too far-fetched a play.

Tennis Free Picks: Fish in four 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