posted February 21, 2008 at 18:45 in Tennis Articles

San Jose, California – Top seed American Andy Roddick faced a tough opening match at the SAP Open, pushed to a third-set tie-break, Roddick barely scrapped by with a 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(5) victory over [LL] Chris Guccione of Australia. In five of his six previous appearances at the SAP Open, Roddick advanced to the semi-final round or better and won back-to-back titles in 2004-05. In the last two years, Roddick lost in the semi-final round to eventual champion Andy Murray. Next up for Roddick is Kei Nishilkori of Japan, the 18-year-old who gained the attention of the tennis world last week when he upset James Blake in the Delray Beach final to win his maiden ATP title. Bet on the SAP Open at BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Andy Roddick -650 Over 22½ -125 Kei Nishikori +375 Under 22½ -115

Match Time: 11:15 PM Eastern Time, Thursday February 21, 2008

Tennis Prediction: This is the first-ever meeting between No.6 Andy Roddick and No.131 Kei Nishikori, but after witnessing Nishikori’s rise to fame, winning the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships last week, Roddick surely will not underestimate the Japanese teenager. At -650 favorite odds, owing to his ranking, the sum total of his career performances and home court advantage, Roddick is the likely bettor’s short-odds-on favorite to advance. However, a slow start to his SAP Open campaign against Chris Guccione is cause for concern in the Roddick camp. Nishikori recently demonstrated his ability to win with an underdog price tag and in lieu of a home court edge as well. Nishikori has proven to be a bankable underdog, and at a price tag of +375, his odds are too good to be ignored. Wagering a $100 on the Japanese would pay out over three-fold! A bet worth considering!

Tennis Free Picks: Nishikori in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Jesse Levine +5 -125 +500 Over 19½ -115 James Blake -5 -115 -1000 Under 19½ -125

Match Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time, Thursday February 21, 2008

Tennis Prediction: James Blake arrives into the second round after winning his all-American opening match. Blake needed 55 minutes to dismiss American [Q] Sam Warburg 6-3, 6-1. After breezing into the second round, Blake’s next matchup should be just as easy.

Coming off a runner-up finish in Florida and picking up his 10th ATP match win of the season, at -1000 favorite odds Blake is the sure play. Canadian [WC] Jesse Levine ranks beyond the Top 100, and enters this match up with a losing 2/3 record for the season.

Tennis Free Picks: Blake in straight sets

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