posted July 15, 2008 at 18:45 in Tennis Free Picks

Umag, Croatia – Listen up sports betting fanatics: the online tennis wagering landscape at BetUS Sportsbook features some standout and value bets. The Studena Croatia Open, entering the second round, offers some worthy matchups. It is an appetizing schedule for Wednesday July 16, 2008 thatawaits, so sports bettors cannot afford not to whet your appetite when there are so many angles for profit to be had. To get you started wagering on tennis here is a look at some of the upcoming thrilling matches in the R16 at the Studena Croatia Open.

Tennis Betting Line: Carlos Moya vs. Viktor Troicki

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Defending champion Carlos Moya is set to open his title defence campaign against Viktor Troicki of Serbia in the second round after receiving a bye. Moya at just shy of 32-years of age is another veteran player competing in this tournament. In 2007, winning the Studena Croatia Open marked his career 20th title. This year has not been a remarkable year for the Spaniard, but he has had some encouraging results. His best performance came early during the Latin American clay court swing when he finished runner-up in Costa do Sauipe (l. to Almagro). Moya faded somewhat afterwards with disappointing turnouts in tournament play. At the ATP Masters Series in Hamburg, he seemed to enjoy a turn around when he reached the quarters (l. to Nadal). The turnaround was short-lived as in his two subsequent tournaments he crashed out of the opening rounds – French Open and Bastad. This is his third tournament since his final eight run in Hamburg so the question is can Moya overcome the hex and win his first match in two months? Alternatively, will he strike out?

Tennis Betting Verdict: I am going to go with YES. The third time is a charm. Moya is the defending champion at this event and while he may not win title two years in a row, his section of the draw is not overly tough and he has a great opportunity to reach the final four here at the very least.

Tennis Free Picks: Moya in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Filippo Volandri vs. Fabio Fognini

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tennis Prediction: In the opening round of the Studena Croatia Open, Filippo Volandri, faced with getting his season back on track had the difficult task of accomplishing this feat against a fellow Italian – Flavio Cipolla. When compatriots face off the dynamic of the match assumes a different air. National skirmishes are always full of friction. After surviving Cipolla, Volandri gets to do it all over again – this time against Fabio Fognini. This is their first-ever meeting at an ATP level event. They met once in the lower circuit – Volandri won the close encounter 7-5, 6-4.

Tennis Betting Verdict: I have watched Fognini play and he has shown some remarkable flashes of brilliance. His best turnout on the main circuit came in Costa do Sauipe when he reached the semis (l. to Almagro). On the challenger circuit, Fognini recently won the clay court tournament in Turin. Alternatively, Volandri has been on a downward spiral in 2008. In his last seven events, he crashed out of the opening round. Although he seems to have overcome the hex by reaching the second round, it takes more than one win to reinstall betting confidence. At least for me. I will take my chances with Fognini.

Tennis Free Picks: Fognini in straight sets

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