posted June 27, 2008 at 16:02 in Tennis Articles

London, England – The bottom half of the draw, which includes 2007 Wimbledon runner-up Rafael Nadal, kicks off an exciting weekend of third round tennis betting at BetUS Sportsbook. The tennis odds for the 32 remaining players, bidding for a place in the R16, are currently on offer in the tennis betting market, so for online tennis betting faithful looking for some value bets over the weekend, here is a breakdown of some of the upcoming action at BetUS.com, complete with fast facts, player analysis and tennis free picks.

Tennis Betting Line: Tommy Haas +200 Andy Murray -300

Tennis Prediction: Britain’s hope for a Wimbledon title, Andy Murray, will face a stiff challenge from Germany’s Tommy Haas in the third round. At 30-years-old, Haas is one of the ATP tours veteran players. Nagging shoulder injuries and repeated shoulder surgeries over the last few years has seen him regularly sidelined. But when he is in fine form, he is one of the best playmakers on the tour. Underestimating Haas has proven to be the wrong play so far in the tournament. I must admit, I thought he would not make it to the third round but here he is – physically questionable and all – yet with a real chance of making it into the second week of Wimbledon.

Lifetime Haas and Murray are level at 1-1, with the only victory in 2008 going the way of Haas in the R16 at Indian Wells. Haas has beaten Murray before and he will come out on court believing he can do it again. The advantage Haas has with his game is he is not averse to taking the initiative and going for the winner. Murray typically hangs out on the baseline, trading groundstroke’s, hoping for an error from his opponent and if it does not come, he will go for the drop shot. A laissez faire attitude will go against Murray and should he be complacent, I really see Haas pulling of the unthinkable (for British fans at least) and sending the gritty Brit packing.

Tennis Free Picks: Haas in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Richard Gasquet -500 Gilles Simon +300

Tennis Prediction: In this all-French affair, No.10 Richard Gasquet – a very talented grass courter—takes on fellow Frenchman No.29 Gilles Simon. While he is ranked in the top 10, the 2008 season has not been a good for Gasquet, doing little justice for his elite ranking. Mired in a slump throughout the season, a flailing confidence and considered soft mentally, Gasquet, who has loads of talent, falls short of expectations repeatedly. Coming into Wimbledon, his talent never a question, his lack of mental grit was held to be a huge handicap against him that would rear its ugly head sooner than later. However, so far he has persevered.

Gilles Simon has had a good year winning one ATP title in Casablanca (clay) in the spring. In his Wimbledon tune-up event, he reached the quarterfinal (l. to Verdasco). Simon enjoys fast courts – hard is his favourite. He has never beaten his compatriot. I bet he would like to and what better day to do so than tomorrow. Prudence dictates Gasquet is the better play. But knowing his propensity to choke during the big moments, add to that the upset epidemic that is rocking Wimbledon, lower-ranked players more and more believe they can play for the win. At +300 underdog odds, Simon warrants a small wager at the very least.

Tennis Free Picks: Simon in five sets

Tennis Betting Line: Radek Stepanek -145 Mikhail Youzhny +105

Tennis Prediction: This matchup will show case two very versatile players. It should be entertaining and close. Even the odds point to it being so. Lifetime they are tied 2-2, but the last time they faced each other was over four years ago. Very little separates them in rankings and overall season. As such, both have a good chance of advancing into the R16. If there were an edge, it would be Stepanek’s serve-and-volley game, which is well suited for grass. Nevertheless, Youzhny can play any style of game. If he strings together a great game he can top Stepanek.

Tennis Free Picks: Youzhny in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Nicolas Kiefer +600 Rafael Nadal -1200

Tennis Prediction: The upset bug is in the air. So many sports bettors will probably consider taking Kiefer at such tempting underdog odds. Who am I to discourage this trend? However, as I have picked Nadal to reach the final (and win his first-ever Wimbledon title this year) I must stay true to my original pre-championship pick and go for Nadal in this matchup. He has beaten Kiefer twice this year on hard surface. He should win here as well.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets

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